The DFB is probably about to sign its preferred candidate Julian Nagelsmann as national coach. The committees still have to agree. Is Nagelsmann suitable for the highest coaching position?
After the first talks between the DFB leaders and Julian Nagelsmann, the national coach question could quickly be finally resolved. Although speculation about a fixed contract announcement until the home European Championships in 2024 was still premature, it is very likely that the 36-year-old will be involved. According to dpa information, if the ten-month project is successful, Nagelsmann can even imagine a longer term in office.
What still needs to be clarified?
Even if Nagelsmann is prepared to make significant cuts in terms of salary compared to his time as FC Bayern coach, the German Football Association would have to dig deep into its tight budget. This point is likely to become an issue in the DFB committees. The executive board of the association as well as the shareholders’ committee and the supervisory board of DFB GmbH and Co. KG must approve the appointment of Hansi Flick’s successor. It is also unclear which assistant coach Nagelsmann will be allowed to bring with him and who from the current DFB staff should be retained. It also needs to be finalized under which conditions Nagelsmann will terminate his contract with FC Bayern, which runs until mid-2026, and to what extent the DFB will have to compensate the Munich team. A game between the national team and Bayern that has been planned for a long time is under discussion.
What speaks for Nagelsmann as national coach?
“Julian makes every player better,” said his former sponsor Dietmar Hopp on Sky and added: “I am convinced that, in addition to his professional quality, he will inspire the national team and the fans alike with his personal way of addressing him.” Thomas Tuchel, Nagelsmann’s successor at Bayern, also said: “It won’t fail because of the professional quality and the know-how and the skills.” Nagelsmann is recognized in the industry, and many a Bayern professional were bitterly disappointed by his expulsion in March.
What could complicate Nagelsmann’s project?
After Otto Nerz, Nagelsmann would be the youngest DFB head coach. Many veteran stars see the 36-year-old’s lack of experience as a problem. Due to the large Bayern faction in the DFB selection, Nagelsmann’s commitment is likely to have a greater impact on the domestic climate than with other candidates. Players like Joshua Kimmich or Leon Goretzka, who was recently not called up, could hope for central roles in the national team again. In contrast, Nagelsmann’s relationship with Manuel Neuer, who was still on hiatus in Munich, was already considerably strained. The question is also how the style of the fashion-conscious soccer teacher, who sometimes shows up to training with a longboard, fits with the position of national coach.
What’s next for the DFB team?
The new national coach is said to have taken office by the controversial trip to the USA in October. On October 14th, the US team will be the first opponent for the new head coach, four days later they will face Mexico deep into the German night. It could be difficult to save the enthusiasm that interim team boss Rudi Völler sparked with the 2-1 win against France into the next international match window. Two more tests will follow in November, including against Ralf Rangnick’s Austrians. At the European Championship draw on December 2nd in Hamburg, the new national coach will find out who he will face in the group stage at the home tournament next year.
Source: Stern
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