15 September 2023 , 08:51
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Former Manchester United and Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal is interested in the Germany job, it has been claimed.
After overseeing a disastrous World Cup campaign, Hansi Flick was finally relieved of his duties by the German FA last week, with a heavy 4-1 defeat against Japan proving fatal for the former Bayern Munich coach.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp swiftly emerged as the heavy favourite for the role and the Anfield chief has admitted in the past that he would be enticed by the prospect of managing his country. However, such a move seems unlikely at this stage given he is contracted to the Reds until 2026 - and now the situation has taken a fresh turn.
According to Sky Germany, Van Gaal is one of the names currently being considered by the German FA and he is ready to come in. The 72-year-old is angling for a return to management after leaving the Dutch national team in December following their World Cup exit.
The report also outlines that Julian Nagelsmann remains the top candidate for the vacancy. He is also unattached after he was brutally sacked by Bayern Munich earlier this year.
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Whilst Klopp's name has been strongly linked with the national team vacancy in recent days, Van Gaal's willingness to take on the role has complicated rumours that the Liverpool manager could opt to take charge ahead of next summer's home European Championships.
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Jurgen Klopp has been heavily linked with the Germany job, but Louis van Gaal is also keen on the role (Michael Regan/The FA)It's well known that Klopp intends to return to Germany once his Anfield adventure draws to a close; there's even a clause in his contract that will see Liverpool help facilitate such a move when the time comes.
After putting pen to paper on a contract extension back in April, Klopp implied that he would be reluctant to break his new agreement before 2026 during an interview with Sky Germany in the summer. He was quizzed about the Germany job due to the severe pressure Flick was under, with Klopp conceding he would, one day, be open to the role.
Klopp's agent, Marc Kosicke, insisted earlier this week that his star client has no appetite to leave his current role early - even if he is seen as the dream candidate to succeed Flick by the German FA.
Kosicke told German outlet Sportschau: "Jurgen has a long-term contract with Liverpool and is not available for the national coaching position."