The outcome of the game between Germany and France tonight appears to be a secondary concern on the Mannschaft’s horizon. In the midst of an unprecedented sporting and institutional crisis, what really matters in the Federal Republic is who will take the reins as national coach during the next EURO, which will be held in just eight months on German soil. The anxiety is palpable.
Interim sporting director Rudi Völler is in charge of the team against France, following the dismissal of Hansi Flick after the painful 1-4 defeat against Japan. However, this is not a long-term solution. Although Jürgen Klopp appears as a favorite, his contract with Liverpool complicates his arrival. Julian Nagelsmann is another renowned candidate, but financial concerns arise, according to the newspaper AS.
It would be a huge expense
Nagelsmann was released from his position at Bayern Munich at the end of March, but his current contract with the Bavarian club until 2026 represents an obstacle. To make him the new German coach, the German Football Federation (DFB) would have to pay a significant amount to Bayern. In addition, the DFB will continue to pay Flick’s salary until the end of his contract next year, which amounts to six million euros per year according to German reports. This expense, added to the cost of Nagelsmann’s transfer, places the DFB in a complicated financial situation.
Time is of the essence for the Mannschaft, which is looking to find a successor for Flick and generate enthusiasm in Germany ahead of Euro 2024. Rudi Völler, the interim coach, points out the importance of finding a replacement quickly to achieve that goal.
