Who will be the new national coach? Some names have been traded for a long time, others were added after Flick was released. Considerations and forecasts for Nagelsmann, Sammer, van Gaal & Co.
High competence, a clear idea of what “his” football should look like, high acceptance among all relevant interest groups, an age that is closer to the playing generations than to those who decide on the successor to national coach Hansi Flick: Xabi Alonso would probably be the right one.
Alonso, Baumgart and Co. – probably only theoretical candidates
But there is always something, and with Alonso it is his valid contract with Bayer Leverkusen that is likely to cause problems. In addition, Alonso’s name has not yet been mentioned to the general public, nor has that of Steffen Baumgart, who also has many qualities that are now in demand.
But names are still circulating, a few of which were even mentioned when Flick still had the chance to save his job with convincing games against Japan and France. He missed it at the first attempt, and so the German Football Association (DFB) announced on Sunday (September 10th, 2023) that the national coach had been released and a new one was being sought.
What about Klopp, Matthäus or van Gaal?
The names of Julian Nagelsmann, Oliver Glasner and Louis van Gaal that were already circulating were joined by those of Matthias Sammer, Roger Schmidt, Rudi Völler and Stefan Kuntz.
Jürgen Klopp’s name was also mentioned, again as a preferred candidate, but it was also quickly suggested that the Liverpool FC coach wanted to remain loyal to his club, at least until after the European Championship.
A rejection also came from Lothar Matthäus, but without pointing out that probably no one from the DFB had asked him.
Nagelsmann would probably cost a transfer fee
In Julian Nagelsmann’s various articles you can read that “the Nagelsmann side” was surprised that the DFB didn’t already in the summer after the weak international games against Ukraine (3:3), Poland (0:1) and Colombia ( 0:2) was contacted, after all everyone knew that Flick was in serious danger and Nagelsmann was free. “Free” is also relative, because Nagelsmann’s contract with FC Bayern Munich is still valid. Anyone who wants him has to pay a transfer fee according to the usual industry rules. But in the industry it is also very popular when someone with a very generous salary disappears from the payroll. The DFB would certainly be there too if someone came along who wanted to sign Hansi Flick.
Money, availability, interests of advisors, personal sensitivities and preferences – all of this plays a role in the rumor mill, and a lot of it also plays a role in the selection of the new national coach. In this respect, it is difficult to weigh up forecasts, but it is interesting to look through the names from different perspectives.
Julian Nagelsmann: His expertise should be beyond question. Is still very young, but sometimes flirts with it. This costs him points, especially with younger people. Certainly spoiled by his salary at FC Bayern, but even the cash-strapped DFB is likely to make the most of everything with a view to the 2024 European Championship in Germany.
Forecast: If the DFB wants Nagelsmann, they will get him.
Oliver Glasner: Won the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt – on penalties. Not a flaw, but it shows how thin the line can be. Last season, Eintracht parted ways with him, among other things because he can be difficult to work with. Currently without a club, Glasner is being traded up. His expertise is also beyond question.
Forecast: The DFB should take a serious look at him.
Matthias Sammer: An important voice in German football for decades. He only knows diplomacy as a word from the dictionary. Many men and women at the DFB probably won’t like that. For several years, Sammer has been speaking out from the second row, as an external consultant at Borussia Dortmund and also in the DFB task force. Rudi Völler would have given him priority as sports director, but Sammer is said to have rejected that.
Forecast: As a national coach with a whistle on the pitch, it is unlikely, but quite possible that the DFB will create a position for him in which Sammer can do a lot for the national team, even if he is uncomfortable.
Stefan Kuntz: Universally accepted for his engaging nature and his ability to ignite enthusiasm. His expertise is questioned by some. Apart from Flick, he was the candidate when it came to finding a successor for Joachim Löw. Kuntz was disappointed at the time with the way the negotiations were conducted, but he is unlikely to hold a grudge if asked now. One obstacle is the current contract with the Turkish Football Association.
Forecast: If the DFB agrees on Kuntz, they would get him. But there are likely to be other candidates higher on the list.
Louis van Gaal: person of respect for everyone. His football mind is exceptionally high, as is his ambition. Survived a serious illness with debilitating therapy and is 72 years old.
Forecast: If the DFB is looking for a solution that under no circumstances will keep the national coach longer than 2024 (because then Klopp might be available), they should have better chances than expected at first glance.
Roger Schmidt: No longer so radical in his way of playing pressing football. At Benfica, out of sight of the general public. It is questionable whether he can spark enthusiasm with his sometimes brusque manner.
Forecast: If it is true that his contract with Benfica contains a release clause of 30 million euros and the club insists on it, then he is not an issue. If Benfica can be traded, he could become one.