Rudi Völler to Remain DFB Sport Director as Talks Continue Over Jürgen Klopp's Appointment

Rudi Völler confirmed he will stay on as the German Football Association’s (DFB) sport director until at least the Euro 2028 tournament. He said the “overall package” of the pending changes convinced him to continue, adding, “Das Gesamtpaket hat den Ausschlag gegeben, dass ich weitermache.”

Negotiations are ongoing to appoint Jürgen Klopp – currently Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer – as the next Germany national team coach after Julian Nagelsmann resigned following the early World Cup 2026 exit. Klopp has said he would need “all time and all powers” to succeed. DFB president Bernd Neuendorf and vice‑president Hans‑Joachim Watzke plan a trip to the United States to meet Klopp and his adviser Marc Kosicke to discuss contract terms, salary and length (potentially to Euro 2028 or World Cup 2030). Klopp also received encouragement from Red Bull CEO Oliver Mintzlaff, who told Völler the partnership “will be super.”

Former players such as Lothar Matthäus and Thomas Müller voiced support for Klopp’s appointment and for broader structural reforms. Völler pledged to support the new coach and to step in if needed, while urging the 2014 World Cup champions to assume greater responsibility within the DFB. No final agreement has been reached yet, but both sides expect a decision within a few weeks.