The fact that Jürgen Klopp, as a living coaching legend, has a virtually free choice of jobs after his successful time at British Liverpool FC is nothing new. But it’s not just in men’s football that people would be happy to have the charismatic Black Forest native as a coach.
Iconic striker Alexandra Popp could also imagine the popular soccer teacher as her coach – as the coach of the German women’s national team. In an interview with the TV channel “Sky” she was asked whether there was a dream coach on the market who she thought would be a good fit for the team. “Jürgen Klopp,” Popp replies without hesitation – but not without a laugh. “I would celebrate that, I have to say,” said the 32-year-old captain.
Ultimately, however, the name is unimportant. The new national coach “must, to put it stupidly, simply thrive for this position,” Popp continues. However, she “doesn’t really care” whether it ends up being a man or a woman.
Horst Hrubesch is currently in charge of the DFB selection. If the 72-year-old, who temporarily succeeded long-time coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, succeeds in qualifying for the Summer Olympics in Paris, he would also lead the team in France.
Beyond that, however, the coaching question remains open. One way or another, a long-term solution would have to be found after the Olympics at the latest. DFB sports director Nia Künzer had so far blocked questions, saying they were “prepared for anything,” simply saying.
The DFB team will play in the “small final” of the Nations League in Heerenveen on Wednesday (8:45 p.m. on ZDF) for third place against the Netherlands – and thus for the ticket to Paris.
Source: “Sky”; DPA