Jurgen Klopp has reached out to German football federation [DFB] sporting director Rudi Voller.
The pair fell out live on national TV over Klopp’s clumsy critique of Julian Nagelsmann.
Nagelsmann has since left his job as Germany coach after a disappointing last 32 World Cup exit to Paraguay, and Klopp is in advanced negotiations to replace him.
In recent days, it has been reported that fan favourite and legendary ex-striker Voller will also resign.
Yet Sky Germany say Klopp wants to keep working with him and has even reached out over the phone.
Backing the point DFB member Hans-Joachim Watzke said: “I’m only speaking for myself, and I believe I’m echoing the sentiments of many others at the DFB: I would like to continue working with Rudi.
“Rudi, with his experience and his style – I believe he and Jurgen would work together wonderfully.”
“Jurgen is certainly dominant, but a team player.”
Klopp and Voller’s tension explained
There were some tricky scenes at the start of the tournament when Klopp made an ill-advised comment about Nagelsmann ‘still’ being the coach.
He later apologised, but Voller then gave him and co-pundit Thomas Muller a dressing down on TV.
The conversation turned to what Muller will do in retirement, and Voller said: “Jurgen can also give him a tip. And I mean that seriously.
“With you guys, being serious is a bit more difficult, you’re more responsible for the comedy.”
Then turning on Muller, he added: “Thomas, you could get a coaching license to understand a bit more. We all feel like we know everything.
“I believe that getting a coaching license will help, no matter what you do later. And Jurgen is a wonderful example with the fantastic career he’s had.”
Voller finished by saying: “Perhaps we’ll have the opportunity to sit down again and discuss a few fundamental things.
“That would be quite good, I think.”
Klopp left red faced
Once Voller left, Klopp awkwardly said with a smile: “He said we’re responsible for the comedy!”
Muller then tried to play down any tension, adding: “You hear what you want to hear.
“He is responsible for protecting the structure – I think it’s good that he’s getting involved.
“Who can blame us? There’s always a bit of banter involved. And sometimes something might slip out that could cause populist waves if someone wants to use it in a populist way. But we don’t do that, others do.
“We won’t let ourselves be bent out of shape and we’ll be careful what we say. Everyone needs to know that we stand fully behind the team. But we also want to spread some cheer.”
Klopp could be joined by Mertesakcer
On top of Klopp’s impending arrival, former defender Per Mertesacker is also being linked with a directorial role.
He recently departed as the head of Arsenal’s academy, and would have a similar job restructuring Germany.
Backing the idea, Bayern president Uli Hoeness said: “If you’ve been at Arsenal for eight years, you must have some skills – and that’s exactly what we need now.
“He has always shown how well he can deal with people. And: He would never do it for the money, but because he is drawn to building and advancing something with his passion.
“These are exactly the kind of people we need now, those who have worked their way up and are willing to work hard.
“Everything Per Mertesacker says on television makes sense. He’s never insulting, yet still critical.”
Mertesacker himself commented: “The idea of working for the DFB someday and giving something back to German football, to which I owe so much, appeals to me. Of course, I am available for that.”
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