FIFA WC 2026: Rudi Voller stays as DFB director with Klopp set to take charge
Synopsis
Rudi Voller is staying put at the DFB — and it was Jurgen Klopp who convinced him. A Saturday phone call between the two proved the turning point, with Klopp reportedly making clear he wanted Voller alongside him. As DFB officials fly to New York to finalise Klopp's release from Red Bull, Germany's post-World Cup rebuild is taking concrete shape.
Key Takeaways
Rudi Voller , 66 , confirmed on Tuesday he will remain DFB sporting director through the 2028 European Championship .
Jurgen Klopp is the DFB's preferred candidate to succeed resigned head coach Julian Nagelsmann .
A phone call between Voller and Klopp on Saturday was described as pivotal in Voller's decision to stay.
DFB president Bernd Neuendorf and Hans-Joachim Watzke are travelling to New York to negotiate Klopp's release from Red Bull and finalise contract terms.
Germany were eliminated in the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026 by Paraguay , triggering the coaching and management shake-up.
Rudi Voller has confirmed he will continue as sporting director of the German Football Association (DFB), committing to oversee the national team's rebuilding phase through the 2028 European Championship, with Jurgen Klopp widely expected to step in as the new head coach. Voller made the announcement on Tuesday in Frankfurt, ending weeks of speculation about his future following Germany's round-of-16 exit at the FIFA World Cup 2026 against Paraguay.
Why Voller Decided to Stay
The 66-year-old former Germany coach said the decision to honour his DFB contract came down to what he described as 'the overall package.' Strong backing from DFB president Bernd Neuendorf, Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke, and Red Bull sporting executive Oliver Mintzlaff — alongside encouragement from several Bundesliga officials — proved decisive. 'I am carrying on,' Voller told a small group of media representatives in Frankfurt. 'The overall package was ultimately the decisive factor in my continuing.'
Klopp's Role in Voller's Decision
A lengthy telephone conversation with Jurgen Klopp on Saturday proved particularly significant, according to Voller. Klopp — the DFB's preferred candidate to succeed resigned head coach Julian Nagelsmann — reportedly made clear that he wanted Voller to remain part of the setup. Voller said Klopp gave him the impression their cooperation would 'work superbly.' Watzke described the former Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool manager as dominant in personality but capable of functioning within a collaborative structure.
What Happens Next: Klopp Contract Talks
Watzke and Neuendorf are due to travel to New York later this week for talks with Mintzlaff over Klopp's release from Red Bull, and separately with Klopp himself over contract terms including salary. Voller confirmed he would not be part of the trip but expressed confidence that negotiations would reach a successful conclusion. 'They can take care of that,' he said.
Voller's Scaled-Back Role Under Klopp
With Klopp expected to take on a dominant leadership role, Voller indicated he intends to operate more in the background — stepping forward only when necessary to 'keep the whole operation together.' This marks a notable shift from his more visible role during the Nagelsmann era, where he had publicly backed the coach even as results came under scrutiny. The scrutiny on Voller had intensified after he stood by Nagelsmann following the World Cup elimination, only for the coach to resign days later.
The Road Ahead for German Football
'The decisive thing is sporting success, and I also have to be judged by that,' Voller said, acknowledging the weight of expectation. Germany now faces the task of rebuilding its national programme ahead of the 2028 European Championship, with a new coaching structure yet to be formally confirmed. The DFB's next steps hinge on finalising Klopp's appointment — a deal that, if completed, would represent one of the most high-profile coaching moves in world football this year.
Point of View
Suggesting the incoming manager wants a familiar, low-friction support structure rather than a clean slate. Whether that arrangement holds under competitive pressure is the real question; Germany's recent tournament record has exposed a gap between administrative ambition and on-pitch delivery. The New York talks will also test how much leverage Red Bull retains over Klopp's immediate availability — a variable that could yet complicate the DFB's timeline.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Rudi Voller staying as DFB sporting director?
Voller cited strong backing from DFB president Bernd Neuendorf, Hans-Joachim Watzke, and Red Bull executive Oliver Mintzlaff, as well as a key phone conversation with Jurgen Klopp, who made clear he wanted Voller to remain involved. Voller said 'the overall package' was the decisive factor.
Who is replacing Julian Nagelsmann as Germany head coach?
Jurgen Klopp is the DFB's preferred candidate to succeed Nagelsmann, who resigned following Germany's round-of-16 elimination at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Contract talks are ongoing, with DFB officials travelling to New York to finalise terms.
Why did Julian Nagelsmann resign as Germany coach?
Nagelsmann resigned in the days following Germany's elimination by Paraguay in the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Voller had publicly backed him after the exit, making the subsequent resignation a source of scrutiny for the sporting director.
When will Jurgen Klopp's appointment as Germany coach be confirmed?
No official confirmation date has been given, but DFB president Bernd Neuendorf and Hans-Joachim Watzke are due in New York this week to negotiate Klopp's release from Red Bull and agree on contract details including salary.
What role will Voller play under Klopp at the DFB?
Voller has indicated he will take a more background role under Klopp, stepping in only when necessary to 'keep the whole operation together.' This is a deliberate shift from his more prominent position during the Nagelsmann era.
