Rudi Völler to Stay as DFB Sporting Director Until Euro 2028

Völler Announces Extension After World Cup Setback

Rudi Völler will see his contract through Euro 2028, he told reporters from five German outlets on Tuesday. The announcement follows Germany’s third consecutive early exit from the World Cup, this time in the round of 32 against Paraguay. Völler said the decision was prompted by a phone call with Jürgen Klopp, in which the Liverpool legend assured him they could work together. He also confirmed talks with DFB president Bernd Neuendorf and vice‑president Hans‑Joachim Watzke.

Negotiations with Klopp and Red Bull

Klopp told Völler on Saturday that the partnership could and would work out, leading Völler to decide to continue. The former Borussia Dortmund coach, who is currently a pundit for MagentaTV, is 59 years old and still under contract with Red Bull as Head of Global Soccer. Oliver Mintzlaff, Red Bull’s managing director, has reached out to Völler and will need to release Klopp to take over the national side. Völler added that his own role will not fundamentally change, although “all eyes will be on Jürgen at first.”

Context: Recent German Coaching Changes

Völler became sporting director in early 2023 after Germany’s group‑stage exit at the 2022 World Cup and was instrumental in hiring Julian Nagelsmann later that year. Nagelsmann resigned after the latest failure, and Völler now views parting ways with him as the right move. The German Football Federation is also searching for a new managing director of sport, as Andreas Rettig will leave at year’s end. Having coached Germany from 2000‑2004 and guided the team to the 2002 World Cup final, Völler brings a deep historical perspective to the rebuild.

New Voices Considered, Including Per Mertesacker

Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness has suggested former World Cup winner Per Mertesacker for a role in German football. Mertesacker, 41, spent eight years as Arsenal’s youth academy director and is currently a pundit for ZDF. Hoeness praised his international experience and people skills, noting that Mertesacker would be motivated by the challenge rather than money. The 2014 champion told Bild that returning to the DFB to give back to the game he loves appeals to him. Meanwhile, Völler emphasized that he will be there to support Klopp if the pressure becomes overwhelming.

With Völler’s tenure extended to Euro 2028, the DFB is laying the groundwork for a long‑term rebuilding project, hoping to end a cycle of early World Cup exits. The partnership with Klopp, a respected tactician with recent experience at Liverpool, is seen as a potential catalyst for change. Meanwhile, the broader staff reshuffle—including the search for a new sporting director—reflects an effort to modernize Germany’s football structure. All eyes will now be on whether this fresh lineup can reverse the recent trend of disappointment.