Could van Gaal take over as Germany boss? "We are not ruling out any options"
The German Football Association (DFB) is open to the idea of hiring a foreigner as the new Germany coach.
The next Germany coach doesn't have to hold a German passport, DFB president Bernd Neuendorf told ARD on Tuesday night.
Asked about reports linking Dutchman Louis van Gaal with the vacant position, Neuendorf said:
"We're not ruling out any options at the moment, regardless of whether it's a German or a foreign coach. We are not slamming any door. We explicitly allow this option.
Neuendorf also described the profile the DFB is looking for in a replacement for Hansi Flick.
"We need a person who is assertive, who is resilient, because this is stressful. We have nine months until the European Championship, everyone knows the expectations of the fans and the federation. We don't have much time."
Neuendorf is responsible for the search, along with vice-president Hans-Joachim Watzke and sporting director Rudi Völler.
"The talks and the process will be conducted by the three of us," he said.
Germany have never had a foreign coach in the past.