Back to news
Per Mertesacker confirms discussions with DFB: role as director
Teams 20 July 2026

Per Mertesacker confirms discussions with DFB: role as director

Per Mertesacker, former captain of the German national team and world champion, is in talks with the DFB about a managerial role. At the same time, rumors surrounding Jürgen Klopp as national coach make the future of the German Football Association a current topic in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup.

Per Mertesacker confirms discussions with DFB: role as director in

According to Sports.

Background

Per Mertesacker, who ended his playing career in 2014 with a world title, has confirmed his interest in a managerial role at the DFB. The talks focus on succeeding Andreas Rettig, whose contract will expire soon. Mertesacker's involvement could herald a new phase for the German national team, which is recovering from a disappointing performance at the last World Cup.

Why this matters

The talks between Per Mertesacker and the DFB are of great importance for the future of the German national team. Mertesacker, a world champion and former captain, could make a valuable contribution to the leadership of the association with his experience, especially in this crucial period for German football. With the 2026 World Cup looming, it is essential that the DFB has strong leaders on board to get the national team back on track.

Key points

  • Per Mertesacker confirms discussions with DFB: role as director in.
  • Per Mertesacker, former captain of the German national team and world champion, is in talks with the DFB about a managerial role.
  • 🚨 Will he be Klopp's new boss?! German World Cup winner confirms talks!.

While the focus of many football fans is on who will be crowned world champion at the 2026 World Cup, a lot is happening behind the scenes at the German Football Association (DFB). While the national team has already had to accept an early retirement from the tournament, in Germany attention is already focused on the future of the national team. This is not only about the possible arrival of Jürgen Klopp as national coach, but also about important shifts in the DFB leadership.

During the World Cup talks, Per Mertesacker, world champion as a player in 2014, confirmed that he is in discussions with the DFB about a managerial position. Mertesacker indicated to the German channel ZDF that there has been increasing interest in his direction from the association. "You have to give it to the DFB that they have always kept in touch with me. In the past week it has become a bit more intensive. We are talking, but for the time being there is nothing to report yet. First the priority is Jürgen Klopp, then we will see if something works out for me," said the 39-year-old former defender.

![Image](https://s.yimg.com/lo/mysterio/api/d805c8a87e01e02120bb8664bcfc708aaf0f3b8490428e016171032e0ab3b4cd/lightyear_networkapi/re sizefill_w1200;quality_80;format_webp/https:%2F%2Fmedia.zenfs.com%2Fen%2Fonefootball_articles_802%2F4a21e6f30638667f50281dccb498aa7f)

According to the German daily Bild, the talks concern the possible successor to Andreas Rettig, the current managing director, whose contract expires at the end of the year. Mertesacker, who combines his experience as a player and his current role at Arsenal as head of the youth academy, has long been identified as an ideal candidate for this strategic position within the German association. His icy calm, tactical insight and connecting qualities can bring new impetus, especially now that the DFB wants to chart a new course aftera period of sporting disappointments.

The integration of Jürgen Klopp as national coach, one of the most successful German trainers of the past decade, together with a management team led by Mertesacker, could mean a major innovation. The goal: to return the German national team to the world top and prepare it favorably for the upcoming World Cup, which will be played in 2026 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Although nothing has been definitively determined yet, it is clear that the DFB is emphatically committed to administrative rejuvenation and professional innovation. For the Dutch team and other European top teams, a reborn German team may mean stiff competition towards the 2026 World Cup.

What's happening now

The focus is now on the outcome of the talks between Mertesacker and the DFB, especially in light of the possible appointment of Jürgen Klopp as national coach. If Mertesacker is appointed, he could play an important role in the strategic direction of German football. The coming weeks will be crucial for the DFB as they prepare for the challenges that the 2026 World Cup will bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What has Per Mertesacker confirmed?

Per Mertesacker has confirmed that he is in discussions with the DFB about a managerial position.

Who confirmed the talks with the DFB?

Per Mertesacker has confirmed the discussions with the DFB.

Why are the discussions with Mertesacker on the agenda now?

The talks are on the agenda as the DFB prepares for major changes in leadership, with the expiration of the contract of current general manager Andreas Rettig.

What are the possible changes within the DFB?

The possible changes within the DFB concern the succession of Andreas Rettig as general manager.

What is Mertesacker's current role?

Per Mertesacker is currently head of Arsenal's youth academy.

Related articles

  • >
  • >
  • >

Related articles

Related articles

Per Mertesacker voert gesprekken met DFB over | Oranje Total Football | Oranje Total Football