Mertesacker signals willingness for a role in German football

The Hannover native, who made 104 international appearances for the German national team during his playing career, looks back on extensive international experience. He played 15 years for FC Arsenal in London, including eight years working at the club's academy. „Was ich natürlich auch machen wollte nach 15 Jahren beim FC Arsenal, acht Jahren in der dortigen Akademie: Die Zeit zu reflektieren, was ich da alles erlebt habe“, he emphasized. After a period of reflection, he now apparently sees himself in a position to take on responsibility.

His willingness comes at a time of intense discussions about the future of German football. A possible appointment of Jürgen Klopp as the new national team coach is on the table. Klopp himself has confirmed talks with the DFB about the position, telling „MagentaTV": „Ich bin mittlerweile mehr als aufgetankt, also ich bin bereit". Asked what was still missing before signing, Klopp answered with one word: „Zeit". It therefore remains unclear when a final decision will be made on the succession at the top of the national team.

Debate over succession and direction

Parallel to the national team coach issue, DFB sporting director Andreas Rettig announced his departure. According to the statement, Mertesacker's willingness to get involved would be a signal to „Verantwortung zu übernehmen". The former center-back belongs to a generation of world champions who, following the title win in Brazil in 2014, are increasingly growing into leadership roles within German football.

ARD expert Bastian Schweinsteiger, also 41 years old, also weighed in with a view to the necessary realignment. He pointed to virtues „für die wir respektiert worden sind im Ausland" that had been neglected. He explicitly named „Robustheit, Identität, Kampf". Record national team player Lothar Matthäus had previously expressed similar sentiments: „Wir müssen wieder zu gewissen alten Tugenden zurückkommen, und die fangen im Nachwuchs an".

Criticism of captain Kimmich

TV expert Dietmar Hamann also joined the debate about the right path. He called for captain Joshua Kimmich to step back from the DFB team. The 31-year-old Kimmich had failed to reach the semifinals at two European Championships and three World Cups with the German team. „Und er hat es fünfmal nicht geschafft", said Hamann on the „Tomorrow Business Podcast". Kimmich had only reached the semifinals at Euro 2016. At the same time, Hamann praised Kimmich for facing up to his responsibility. „Der 31-jährige Kimmich stelle sich jetzt dahin und sage, er wolle nicht davonlaufen", said Hamann.

Hamann interpreted Kimmich's declaration against „Davonlaufen" as a positive sign. „Das hat nichts mit Davonlaufen zu tun", he countered with a view to the Bayern professional. „Das hat was damit zu tun, Verantwortung zu übernehmen." That would be „ein Zeichen von ihm", the 52-year-old continued.

Openness without a concrete application

Mertesacker's statement fits into the middle of these debates. It should not be read as criticism of the previous association leadership, nor as a concrete application. The 2014 world champion is rather making clear that he is available for a future role should the DFB approach him. He left open which task would appeal to him. In doing so, he signals willingness but remains silent on the specific form any involvement might take.

The timing of his statement is likely no coincidence. Following the World Cup exit, which hit the team in the group stage, the DFB is looking for ways to reorganize its own youth development and sporting direction. With Mertesacker, Schweinsteiger, and other former national team players, there is a pool of figures available who combine international experience with roots in German football.