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While there is a consensus that Julian Nagelsmann's resignation as coach was inevitable, former players have also called for wide-ranging change in German football after the latest World Cup flop.
In addition, Thomas Hitzelsperger said that the national federation DFB should not only seek out Jürgen Klopp as a potential successor but look at other candidates.
"It is, of course, understandable that Jürgen Klopp is now the leading candidate. However, the DFB would be well advised not only to speak to Jürgen Klopp, but also to look around for alternatives," Hitzlsperger told broadcasters ARD where he is a World Cup pundit.
Nagelsmann's resignation in the wake of Monday's round of 32 exit against Paraguay was announced earlier Friday by the DFB and Hitzlsperger spoke of "a right decision."
Former Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool coach Klopp has agreed in principle that he would be ready to take over.
He has long been touted a potential Germany coach. Klopp left Liverpool in 2024 and is Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer since the start of 2025.
Ex-Germany player Pierre Littbarski had also suggested on Thursday in the Bild paper to look beyond Klopp and said that a foreign coach such as Pep Guardiola, who has left Manchester City after a decade, could bring a fresh approach.
Hitzlsperger said that the DFB must also look at the general structures "and sit dowen with all the youth coaches who have a better idea whether we have a problem regarding young talent or not. These talks must be held."
Thomas Müller, a member of the 2014 World Cup winning team, agreed in a LinkedIn post.
“After five disappointing tournaments in a row, we need an approach that offers fresh, thought-provoking ideas. We need a consistent and modern player development programme that takes the future playing philosophy into account,” he said.
Germany went out in the group stage at the previous two World Cups, and at the Euros in the last 16 in 2021 and quarter-finals at the 2024 home event.
“We need a sense of responsibility, expertise and also the courage to bring about the necessary changes so that, in the future, we can once again be in the thick of it on the big football stage right until the very end,” Müller said.
His 2014 team-mate Bastian Schweinsteiger and former Germany goalkeeper Oliver had raised similar concern over the past days.
"Three national team coaches all failed at the same stage: Joachim Löw, Hansi Flick and Julian Nagelsmann. Three different approaches to the game. Three different leadership styles. The same outcome," Kahn said on LinkedIn.
"This team has some exceptional footballers. What it lacks is the natural ability to take responsibility at the most crucial moment.
“The ability to remain capable of acting under the greatest pressure is no accident. It is developed over many years.
“The decisive moment does not begin when you pull on the national team shirt. It begins many years earlier, at the moment when a young player learns that responsibility is not something you pass on, but something you take on.”
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In addition, Thomas Hitzelsperger said that the national federation DFB should not only seek out Jürgen Klopp as a potential successor but look at other candidates.
"It is, of course, understandable that Jürgen Klopp is now the leading candidate. However, the DFB would be well advised not only to speak to Jürgen Klopp, but also to look around for alternatives," Hitzlsperger told broadcasters ARD where he is a World Cup pundit.
Nagelsmann's resignation in the wake of Monday's round of 32 exit against Paraguay was announced earlier Friday by the DFB and Hitzlsperger spoke of "a right decision."
Former Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool coach Klopp has agreed in principle that he would be ready to take over.
He has long been touted a potential Germany coach. Klopp left Liverpool in 2024 and is Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer since the start of 2025.
Ex-Germany player Pierre Littbarski had also suggested on Thursday in the Bild paper to look beyond Klopp and said that a foreign coach such as Pep Guardiola, who has left Manchester City after a decade, could bring a fresh approach.
Hitzlsperger said that the DFB must also look at the general structures "and sit dowen with all the youth coaches who have a better idea whether we have a problem regarding young talent or not. These talks must be held."
Thomas Müller, a member of the 2014 World Cup winning team, agreed in a LinkedIn post.
“After five disappointing tournaments in a row, we need an approach that offers fresh, thought-provoking ideas. We need a consistent and modern player development programme that takes the future playing philosophy into account,” he said.
Germany went out in the group stage at the previous two World Cups, and at the Euros in the last 16 in 2021 and quarter-finals at the 2024 home event.
“We need a sense of responsibility, expertise and also the courage to bring about the necessary changes so that, in the future, we can once again be in the thick of it on the big football stage right until the very end,” Müller said.
His 2014 team-mate Bastian Schweinsteiger and former Germany goalkeeper Oliver had raised similar concern over the past days.
"Three national team coaches all failed at the same stage: Joachim Löw, Hansi Flick and Julian Nagelsmann. Three different approaches to the game. Three different leadership styles. The same outcome," Kahn said on LinkedIn.
"This team has some exceptional footballers. What it lacks is the natural ability to take responsibility at the most crucial moment.
“The ability to remain capable of acting under the greatest pressure is no accident. It is developed over many years.
“The decisive moment does not begin when you pull on the national team shirt. It begins many years earlier, at the moment when a young player learns that responsibility is not something you pass on, but something you take on.”
Continue reading...
