DFB shakeup: Who Bayern boss Hoeneß wants now | OneFootball

The German national team’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup in the round of 32 sparked quite a bit of discussion. A major shakeup is now on the horizon at the DFB—a new national team coach is needed. At the very least.

Changes are also on the horizon behind the scenes. Julian Nagelsmann, who most recently served as head coach, has stepped down from his position. Andreas Rettig will leave at the end of the year. And even with Rudi Völler, it’s not yet clear whether he’ll continue.

So a lot is going to change, and one or two positions will need to be filled. The first candidates are already being discussed or have put themselves forward.

Hoeneß backs Mertesacker at the DFB

Take Per Mertesacker, for example, who currently works as an analyst for ZDF. The former professional player for Arsenal and Werder Bremen recently stated that he would be open to a position within the association.

“To work for the DFB at some point—to give something back to German soccer, to which I owe so much—if that’s what’s wanted—I’m naturally available for that,” Mertesacker explained recently during a World Cup broadcast.

Mertesacker is now receiving support from the highest levels. Uli Hoeneß, honorary president of FC Bayern, would support hiring the former national team player.

Photo: Getty Images

“Everything Per Mertesacker says on TV makes perfect sense. He’s never offensive, yet he’s still critical. If you spent eight years at Arsenal, you’ve got to have some skills—and that’s exactly what we need right now,” Hoeneß told BILD. 

Mertesacker wouldn’t be taking on such a job without experience, either. As Hoeneß’s statement already suggests, he served for a long time as an official at Arsenal FC, where he worked as the head of the academy. In North London, they were always satisfied with the former pro’s work.