> After Jürgen Klopp's announcement as the national team manager, the German Football Federation has appointed the next top personality. Per Mertesacker will be Sports Director of the Association from January 1, 2027.
Andreas Rettig, who is stepping down in this role at the end of the year, will work with Mertesacker in the coming months. The former professional received a contract until 2030 like Klopp.
"I'm very excited about the new task and the responsibility that comes with it," said Mertesacker. The contact to the DFB was also "never broken" after his national team career ended. That's why it is something special for him to return in this role. German football has enormous potential.
He wants "with humility, determination to work hard and the necessary patience to foster talents and personalities that make a difference."
