Völler was "close" to quitting DFB role before talks with Klopp changed his mind
| Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images |
Following Germany’s shocking round of 32 exit against Paraguay at the World Cup, Rudi Völler seriously considered stepping down from his role as DFB sporting director.
“I thought about whether it still made sense to continue after this World Cup and I hesitated. I was close,” the 66-year-old revealed at the International Coaches’ Congress in Mainz, according to DPA.
However, after holding talks with German Football Association officials and new head coach Jürgen Klopp, Völler decided to honour his contract, which runs until Euro 2028.
“Jürgen has an incredible track record. If he says you have to stay involved, that naturally makes me happy. I will support him in my own way,” Völler said.
Völler believes the main challenge will be to reconnect with supporters by playing more attractive football, and he sees Klopp as the right person to lead Germany forward.
“We have to inspire the masses again and do better at the next European Championship,” he said.
“You have to give people a certain amount of confidence over the next two years. He can do that with his personality. He has already set the country alight.
“It’s great that he got the job. Alongside his football knowledge, his great strength is being able to inspire people.”
