Lothar Matthäus, the German football legend, hopes that Jürgen Klopp will have wide creative freedom if appointed as the new coach of the ‘Mannschaft’ following the failure in the World Cup.
The 1990 World Cup winner wrote in a column for the weekly ‘Sport Bild’ newspaper, on Wednesday: "I hope that the German Football Association gives him all the time and authority needed to make real improvements. This includes allowing him to choose the right people for every position. People who work according to his vision."
Matthäus specifically mentioned 2014 World Cup winners Per Mertesacker and Bastian Schweinsteiger, whom he envisions as part of Klopp's coaching staff due to their necessary experience.
Klopp is considered the frontrunner to take over as coach of the German national team after Julian Nagelsmann's resignation following a knockout exit from the World Cup in the round of 32, losing 3-4 on penalties to Paraguay.
Rudi Völler, the sporting director of the German Football Association, stated that he is keen to have more 2014 World Cup winners in leadership roles within the federation.
He said during a press conference with German media: "There are some names that might be proposed for discussion."
He added: "There are those who want it, and it will happen. This generation also has a duty, perhaps to step up and take some responsibility"; specifically mentioning Mertesacker, Mats Hummels, Thomas Müller, Schweinsteiger, and Sami Khedira.
Völler, who intends to complete his contract until 2028, confirmed: "I hope I haven't forgotten anyone. These are names I envision all taking on a role in the German Football Association eventually, whether with me or with whoever follows me."
Mertesacker, who has served as head of Arsenal's youth academy for several years, had previously offered his services to the German Football Association.