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Rudi Voeller in 2017
Photo: Thomas Frey / IMAGO
Rudi Völler will be the new sports director of the German Football Association (DFB) and thus of the men's senior national team on February 1st.
After a task force made up of Hans-Joachim Watzke, Bernd Neuendorf, Oliver Kahn, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Oliver Mintzlaff, Matthias Sammer and Völler himself recommended the 62-year-old, the bodies of the German Football Association agreed on Thursday.
"After many great years at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, I'm returning to the place where I was able to experience wonderful times as team manager.
That's why I'm approaching my new job with the national team with gratitude, passion and great motivation," said Völler, according to the DFB announcement.
"First of all, we have to lay the foundations for a successful home European Championship in 2024 that is supported by all of Germany. We have the players for it."
After the embarrassing appearance at the World Cup in Qatar at the end of last year, Völler has taken over part of Oliver Bierhoff's area of responsibility with his new position.
It is now a matter of forming "a close-knit community" from the many top players, "a strong-willed and likeable national team with the clear goal of winning back the unreserved support of the fans," said Völler.
Back from football pension
Above all, he wanted to give national coach Hansi Flick and his coaching team tailwind.
Völler actually retired from football in the summer of 2022, he had left Bayer Leverkusen as managing director.
As early as 2000, he had stepped in when the DFB was in need, even as team boss at the time.
He led the DFB selection to the 2002 World Cup final, after the preliminary round at the 2004 European Championship it was over.
For many German fans, the 1990 world champion, who can look back on an enormously successful playing career, is an idol.
The song »There is only one Rudi Völler« is football cult.
"Rudi Völler is one of the greatest in German football," said DFB President Bernd Neuendorf.
With him, they would have found the ideal cast for the next 20 months.
»With his style and his successes, he inspired the fans as a player, coach and manager.
Thanks to his experience with the national team and many years of work at Bayer Leverkusen, he is the right person for the tasks ahead,” said national coach Flick.
kko/dpa/SID
