Jurgen Klopp is the only candidate to succeed Joachim Low as Germany manager, claims Lothar Matthaus

Karl Matchett

17 November 2020 at 12:06 pm·2-min read

Jurgen Klopp is a title-winning manager with Dortmund and Liverpool (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

German legend Lothar Matthaus says there is only one realistic candidate to succeed Joachim Low as manager of the national team.

There is no suggestion that Low, who has been at the helm for approaching 200 games over the last 14 years, is close to leaving – though some critics have suggested the team has stagnated somewhat and a change is in order as Germany prepare to face Spain in the Nations League.

Matthaus, who won 150 caps during his playing days and lifted the World Cup as captain for West Germany in 1990, says Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is the only option who would bring experience, proven quality and the approval of onlookers.

“When you talk about possible candidates, there is only one person that everyone would want in the future, and that is Jurgen Klopp,” he told Sky Sport in Germany.

Klopp won the Premier League title with the Reds last season and has also taken them to three European finals since joining in 2015, winning the Champions League in one of them.

The former Mainz and Borussia Dortmund boss is aiming to retain the domestic title this year, though Liverpool are one of the teams suffering through player absences this season.

Virgil van Dijk has torn his ACL, Joe Gomez has also undergone knee surgery this week after sustaining an injury with England and Mohamed Salah has tested positive for coronavirus on international duty.

Matthaus says Klopp has lots more to achieve in his career, including with the Anfield club – but an international post could be an option further down the line.

“He is extremely successful, personable and equally popular with fans and the media.

“He’s far from finished in Liverpool and he’ll have time for the national team in a few years.”

Germany will be among the favourites for Euro 2020 even if they have been below their best since winning the 2014 World Cup. They have been semi-finalists at the last two editions of the European Championships.

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