By Klaus Bergmann and Jan Mies, dpa
BERLIN – Germany aims to have a new national team coach in place for October friendlies in the United States, and first names are being mulled, according to sports director Rudi Völler.
Hansi Flick had to go on Sunday in the wake of a 4-1 home defeat against Japan and an overall run of just four wins in his last 17 games.
Former Germany striker and coach Völler will act as caretaker for one game later Tuesday against World Cup-runners up France, supported by U20 helmsman Hannes Wolf and his assistant Sandro Wagner.
Völler has insisted he is not available for a longer period and said that discussions have started with German Football Federation (DFB) president Bernd Neuendorf and Hans-Joachim Watzke, chairman of the board at the German Football League.
“Of course we have had some names mentioned in our talks. Of course there are names who absolutely come into question,” Völler said.
The new man will be tasked with nothing less than creating a turnaround and a euphoria ahead of Germany’s hosting of next year’s Euros.
“In such an important tournament like the home European championships it is very important that we find the right solution, a coach who puts his heart and soul into it,” Völler said.
Neuendorf has also said that “a spirit of optimism” is needed now.
Völler would not discuss any names but is well aware that former Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann has been mentioned as a leading candidate.
“Of course there are names of coaches who come into question. And of course Julian Nagelsmann is a top coach like many others,” Völler said.
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp remains the eternal top candidate, Matthias Sammer is said to be not available after severe health problems a few years ago, Ralf Rangnick has said he will remain in charge in Austria and former U21 coach Stefan Kuntz is in charge of Turkey.
Veteran Felix Magath and Austrian Oliver Glasner have also been mentioned.
Völler stopped short of naming a profile the coach has to fulfil but said that there is only limited time to name a successor for Flick.
“I am convinced that it is important to present the right person in three and a half weeks. We are working on it,” he said.
Germany’s next games are October 14 in Hartford against the United States and three days later in Philadelphia against Mexico. Two November games are to complete the year, one of them in Austria and the other possibly at home against Turkey.
The month-long 2024 Euros start on June 14, and Völler said: “We have three-quarters of a year left to create a euphoria. That is absolutely possible with a new coach. A new man can move things. We can still play a good Euros.”
