Sports expert Hitzlsperger: DFB should not only talk to Klopp

The German Football Association (DFB) has entered a new phase following the resignation of head coach Julian Nagelsmann after Germany's disastrous performance at the 2026 World Cup. The decision came just four days after the tournament ended, marking a significant shift in leadership within the organization. Nagelsmann had been under contract until the European Championship in 2028, but he stepped down immediately after the team’s exit, which many consider one of the worst performances in recent history. His departure sets the stage for a search for his successor, with former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager Jürgen Klopp emerging as the leading candidate.

Klopp, currently working as a global soccer ambassador for Red Bull and appearing on MagentaTV as a commentator during the World Cup, has already signaled his openness to taking over the role. According to the DFB, discussions about appointing Klopp have begun, and the association plans to reach out to him directly. However, the transition is likely to involve complex negotiations regarding financial aspects such as potential transfer fees to Red Bull and Klopp’s salary. Reports suggest that Klopp earns a double-digit million-euro salary while at Red Bull, significantly higher than the previous highest-paid national team coach, Nagelsmann.

In addition to the coaching position, there is movement in other key roles within the DFB. Andreas Rettig, the sports director, has announced his intention to step down at the end of 2026, citing personal reasons. This follows Nagelsmann’s resignation and adds another layer of uncertainty to the organization’s structure. While the DFB has confirmed Rettig’s departure, it remains unclear whether Rudi Völler, who served as the sport director before Nagelsmann took over, will continue in his role. Völler, a former World Cup winner in 1990, was Nagelsmann’s primary contact within the federation, and his future is now uncertain.

Sports commentator and former player Thomas Hitzlsperger has weighed in on the situation, emphasizing the need for the DFB to look beyond Klopp when considering candidates for the head coaching position. Although he acknowledges the logical appeal of approaching Klopp given his reputation and experience, he argues that the federation should explore other options as well. Hitzlsperger also highlights the importance of addressing deeper structural issues within the DFB, including evaluating the effectiveness of youth coaches and understanding the challenges faced by the national team’s younger players. He believes these internal assessments are crucial before making any major decisions.

The timing of the upcoming matches presents additional pressure on the DFB. The first games for the senior national team after the World Cup will take place in late September, featuring four Nations League matches within an eleven-day span. This condensed schedule offers little time for reflection or adjustment, yet Hitzlsperger insists that the federation must use this period to evaluate its long-term strategy. He points out that the current crisis extends beyond just the coaching staff, touching upon broader questions about how the DFB can better develop talent and compete against stronger nations like Spain and France.

While Klopp’s name dominates the headlines, the FAZ article provides historical context, drawing parallels between Klopp and Franz Beckenbauer, who once led West Germany to victory in the 1990 World Cup. Like Beckenbauer, Klopp is seen as a charismatic figure capable of uniting fans and players alike. However, the article cautions that simply having a high-profile name does not guarantee success. For the DFB, the challenge lies in creating a sustainable vision for the national team that goes beyond individual charisma and includes a clear developmental plan for nurturing young talents into world-class players. As the search for a new head coach continues, the focus will remain on finding someone who can not only inspire but also implement a coherent strategy to elevate German football to international prominence once again.