After Oliver Bierhoff’s exit at the DFB, Arsenal’s Per Mertesacker commented on speculation regarding a job with the German FA following Germany’s early World Cup exit in Qatar.
“No one has spoken to me after Bierhoff’s exit,” said Mertesacker. “You also have to know that I’m very, very happy in London.” However, the former Arsenal and Germany international defender didn’t want to rule out a job with the DFB: “You basically have to ask yourself the question at the DFB, how to proceed, and which people to contact now. That’s why I’m just waiting. I hate to speculate.”
Mertesacker represented Germany on 104 occasions and won the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The DFB are searching for a new technical director after Bierhoff left his role at the beginning of the week following Germany’s failure in Qatar. Just 4 points from a possible 9, Hansi Flick’s side were eliminated despite beating Costa Rica in their final group game – Spain’s defeat against Japan eliminated Thomas Müller and Co.
One option for the now vacant position at the DFB is Hertha Berlin’s Fredi Bobic, who also feels comfortable in his current role. Borussia Dortmund’s Matthias Sammer is also amongst the candidates to succeed Bierhoff but one position the DFB won’t need to fill is that of the head coach.
Following a 2.5 hour crisis meeting between DFB president Bernd Neuendorf, vice president Hans-Joachim Watzke and Flick during the week, the DFB announced their backing of Flick, who remains Germany head coach with Euro 2024 in mind.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
