Hannes Wolf and Sami Khedira are to succeed Oliver Bierhoff alongside Rudi Völler as dual leaders at the DFB.
Frankfurt – After the disappointing 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the renewed elimination of the German national team, Oliver Bierhoff had to resign from his position. Rudi Völler was then installed as DFB sporting director of the senior team. As Sportbuzzer reports, Bierhoff's other areas of expertise are now to be covered by new personnel. Sami Khedira and Hannes Wolf are to form a dual leadership.
| DFB (German Football Association ( | |
|---|---|
| Foundation: | 28 January 1900 |
| World champion: | 4 |
Khedira and Wolf inherit Bierhoff at DFB
As director of the DFB, Oliver Bierhoff was involved in large parts of the association's structure. The strategic direction of the federation is to be taken over by world champion Khedira. Hannes Wolf, who is currently in charge of Germany's U20s, will be in charge of talent development and youth development in the future. While Wolf is already under contract with the DFB and the expansion of his competences would not be a problem, Khedira would have to resign from his commitment to VfB Stuttgart. The 36-year-old works as a consultant at his hometown club. This is Khedira's first role after ending his career as a professional footballer. In the summer of 2021, it was over for him on the pitch.
DFB President Bernd Neuendorf said when asked at an event of the Bild that they were "on the home stretch. But there is nothing to announce here and now. The talks are still ongoing." Sporting director Rudi Völler was also telling: "There will be a decision on this shortly, but I can't say anything about names."
Sami Khedira could soon be working for the DFB. © imago/pack
Wolf and Khedira: Timely announcement of the DFB
In addition, Sami Khedira will also act as a contact person for the women's national team. However, Joti Chotialexiou will continue to steer the fortunes of the women's teams. Meanwhile, DFB Vice President Hans-Joachim Watzke is said to have campaigned for the promotion of Hannes Wolf. Wolf worked for many years in the youth department of Watzke's club Borussia Dortmund. Since July 2022, the 42-year-old has been back at the DFB, whose U18s he coached for six months from September 2020 to March 2021.
According to the report, the new personnel could be announced before Hansi Flick's team's friendly against Ukraine, which will also celebrate the 1000th anniversary. Meanwhile, Hansi Flick has released his squad for the anniversary as well as the friendlies against Poland and Colombia. (jsk)