DFB return? Nagelsmann discusses Müller as potential assistant coach | OneFootball

National coach Julian Nagelsmann has expressed openness to the idea that Thomas Müller could one day take on a coaching role with the German national team. The 36-year-old, who is currently playing for the Vancouver Whitecaps in Major League Soccer, is “definitely a candidate who could take on such a position,” Nagelsmann said on Thursday in Sinsheim.

The national coach was responding to a suggestion previously made by Ernst Tanner, sporting director of Philadelphia Union, during an appearance on Sky Sport. Tanner had proposed that Müller could serve as a kind of assistant coach or mentor at the 2026 World Cup—a role that would suit his experience and leadership style.

“He has what it takes to be a head coach”

Photo: IMAGO

Nagelsmann, who had already worked closely with Müller at FC Bayern, praised his former player in the highest terms: “What isn’t the case now could become reality in the future. Thomas definitely has what it takes to be a head coach,” the 38-year-old explained.

However, the time for that has not yet come. Müller is under contract in Vancouver until winter 2026. That would make a role at next year’s World Cup hardly feasible, as Tanner also emphasized: “The coach won’t be so thrilled if Thomas says: ‘I’ll come two or three weeks later because I want to be an assistant coach.’”

Müller is still enjoying his time in Vancouver

The 2014 World Cup winner is currently experiencing the late autumn of his active career and seems to be thoroughly enjoying himself in Canada. Nagelsmann reported having had several conversations with Müller and said: “He’s really enjoying it in Vancouver right now, he’s playing well, scoring lots of goals, providing lots of assists. And he’s trying to help advance football there.”

Whether Müller will soon be standing on the sidelines instead of on the pitch remains to be seen. What is certain is that his qualities as a strategist, motivator, and leader have not gone unnoticed by the national coach—and could pave the way for him to join the DFB coaching staff in the long term.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.