Sky Germany reports that it is likely that Rudi Völler will extend his contract as Germany’s sporting director by two more years.
Völler had planned to retire after the World Cup next summer, but due to Julian Nagelsmann and the current Germany squad, he may have changed his mind:
“Actually, I had planned to retire in 2026, But I’ll be honest: Julian Nagelsmann, the team, and the entire squad have grown on me.”
Speaking to Sky, DFB President Bernd Neuendorf confirmed that the pair will sit down soon to talk about a possible extension:
” Rudi is an integral part of this team. We have a very, very close relationship. We’ve agreed that we’ll meet again soon and see if we can move forward.”
Adding:
“I am very optimistic that this can succeed, but of course we have to sit down together and discuss these things in detail.”
Völler returned to the national team set up in 2022 after the World Cup and his time as a director at Bayer Leverkusen. The former striker would then take up his role as sporting director in 2023 and was involved in the sacking of Hansi Flick and the hiring of Julian Nagelsmann as Bundestrainer. Völler even returned to manage Germany for one game, nearly 20 years after his previous time in charge of the national team.
Nagelsmann also extended his contract as German national team head coach earlier this year. On his relationship with Völler, the head coach said:
“We have a special relationship. He’s an incredibly good and kind person who has no sensitivities and tries to create a good atmosphere for all of us. We really enjoy working with him, but he decides his own future. I would be very happy if he continued, but he’s old enough not to need my advice.”
On Thursday, Germany faces Italy in the first leg of the Nations League quarter-finals. The second leg will be played in Dortmund on Sunday evening.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
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