Klopp as national team coach? Bayern legend Lahm expresses concerns | OneFootball

Following Julian Nagelsmann’s resignation, Jürgen Klopp is considered the top candidate for the position of German national team coach. While Philipp Lahm generally views the former Liverpool coach as a suitable candidate, he warns the DFB against pinning all its hopes solely on the 59-year-old.

Following the German national team’s disappointing World Cup exit in the round of 32 against Paraguay and Julian Nagelsmann’s subsequent resignation, planning for the future is in full swing at the DFB. Jürgen Klopp is widely regarded as the ideal choice.

Philipp Lahm, however, urges caution. In his column for *kicker*, the 2014 World Cup champion made it clear that the decision regarding the new national team coach should not be made hastily.

Lahm calls for an investigation into the root causes

“Whether he’s the ideal solution remains to be seen. What’s much more important to me is an analysis of the following questions first: What has been causing us to fail in so many tournaments? What’s the problem?” Lahm wrote.

In his view, the DFB should not place the blame for the team’s latest tournament exit solely on Nagelsmann and his coaching staff. Rather, a comprehensive analysis of the structural problems is needed.

“The national team is the most important team in our country, so the public also needs an explanation of where and how we should proceed. Then the DFB must decide who is the right person for the job. This analysis can’t be done in three days; we need to look at more than just the four World Cup games in 2026,” emphasized the former Bayern captain.

Klopp can spark new enthusiasm

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Despite his cautionary words, Lahm thinks highly of Klopp. The former coach of Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool FC could breathe new life into the national team.

“He can create a sense of optimism. He’s done that everywhere. His teams were cohesive units; people watched them with enthusiasm. But it’s not just the coaching position that needs to change—it’s our entire approach to soccer. That’s the most important thing,” Lahm explained.

However, Klopp’s contractual obligations with Red Bull still stand in the way of a quick appointment. The 59-year-old is under contract there as Head of Global Soccer through the end of 2029, which is why the DFB might have to pay a transfer fee for a national team coach for the first time if an agreement is reached.

Lahm, on the other hand, views Rudi Völler’s decision to remain with the DFB positively. The sporting director recently confirmed his intention to fulfill his contract through the 2028 European Championship.

“It’s not a bad idea in principle. You don’t have to make changes in every position. He has a lot of experience. The question is: How well do they work together? Even a coach needs a counterpart with whom he can discuss things and from whom he can sometimes get a different perspective,” said Lahm.