'No way around Jurgen Klopp' - Sporting director makes former Liverpool boss top target 'if he wants to'

Die Mannschaft have no role to fill for now, with ex-Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann at the helm. He is working on a contract through to the end of the 2026 World Cup – with no decision on his longer term future being made at this stage.

If Nagelsmann were to walk away, as he returns to club management, then a suitable successor would be required. Former Liverpool manager Klopp is an obvious choice for the German FA to consider.

Voller concedes that the 57-year-old is already in his thoughts, telling ZDF's Aktuelle Sportstudio: “If Julian Nagelsmann were to decide at some point that he would rather coach a top club again - then of course there is no way around Jurgen Klopp. If he wants to.”

Klopp, who severed ties with Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, has stated that he has “zero, zero, zero” interest in returning to the dugout any time soon. Voller added when asked when he last spoke with the one-time Borussia Dortmund boss: “A while ago. He was abroad for a long time. I respect him, of course. Jurgen Klopp is having an incredible career.”

The DFB will give Nagelsmann every opportunity to dictate his own future, with Voller saying of efforts to build on solid foundations: “He will decide for himself whether he wants to be national coach beyond the World Cup. No matter who becomes national coach after the World Cup, they will find a well-functioning team.” Qualifying for the next World Cup – which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico - begins for European nations in March 2025.