Germany eyes Louis van Gaal as next national team coach amid Klopp speculation

Former Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger publicly suggested former Bayern Munich boss Louis van Gaal as a candidate for the Bundestrainer role, saying, “If van Gaal is healthy and has the energy, I would support him 100 %.” Van Gaal, 74, brings extensive experience from clubs such as Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern and Manchester United, and would become the first foreign coach of the German national team.

The German Football Association (DFB) has not yet made a decision. While Jürgen Klopp, the current Bayern coach, remains silent on his own ambitions, the DFB’s executive circle continues to discuss the appointment. Bayern Munich’s leadership has also stayed out of the debate, focusing on its own preseason preparations. The coaching vacancy follows Germany’s disappointing performance at the 2026 World Cup, prompting calls for a fresh direction ahead of the Euro 2028 qualifiers.