Matthias Sammer has confirmed he is in discussions with the German Football Association (DFB) about taking on a role within the national team setup, while offering strong support for Jürgen Klopp‘s widely anticipated appointment as head coach.
The 1996 European Championship winner told Zeit newspaper that he has “signalled to the two key representatives of the DFB (including president Bernd Neuendorf) that I am ready to help our football,” confirming his willingness to return to the federation. Sammer previously held roles as DFB sporting director and academy manager for six years before departing to join Bayern Munich as Sporting CEO in 2012.
Sammer Endorses Klopp
Sammer’s offer comes as the DFB prepares to announce Klopp as Germany‘s new head coach, with the appointment expected on Friday. The development would mark a significant shift in relations between the two men, as Sammer’s move to Bayern was the source of friction between him and Klopp, who was then managing Borussia Dortmund.
Despite their past differences, Sammer has given his unequivocal backing to the former Liverpool manager. Speaking to Zeit, he said: “Klopp is exactly the right one for this position. He stands for something physical and high pace. He has a clear game idea with and against the ball. He has aura and authority. He also knows that as a national coach, he will no longer be in the daily training work and is dependent on what is happening in the pyramid, in the junior work below him.”
World Cup Failure Criticised
Sammer also delivered a scathing assessment of Germany’s recent World Cup performance, where the national team exited in the first knockout stage. He questioned both the physical condition and mental approach of the squad, stating: “I can’t see anything at all from the playing style, neither athletic nor mental. It gives rise to redefining the term helplessness. Our team lacks the unconditional will to win.”
Mertesacker Also in Talks
Sammer is not the only former international looking to assist the DFB’s restructuring efforts. Per Mertesacker, who was part of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad, has also confirmed holding talks with the federation in recent days.
The potential involvement of both Sammer and Mertesacker suggests a significant overhaul of the national team’s sporting structure is underway. The DFB has yet to confirm specific roles for either former player, but their combined experience could prove crucial as German football seeks to recover from recent tournament disappointments under Klopp’s anticipated leadership.