Hoeness: DFB should recruit Mertesacker in some capacity

Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeness wants former World Cup winner Per Mertesacker to take on a role in German football.

Jürgen Klopp is set to hold talks with the German Football Federation (DFB) about becoming Germany coach following Julian Nagelsmann's resignation after a third early World Cup exit in a row.

But 1974 winner Hoeness thinks the DFB needs more new recruits to end the malaise.

Mertesacker was part of the 2014-winning squad and spent eight years as Arsenal's youth academy director. He has been working during the World Cup as a German television pundit.

"He has extensive international experience. He has always shown how well he can deal with people," Hoeness told the Bild website on Tuesday.

"Everything Per Mertesacker says on television is sound. He is never insulting but still critical. If you were at Arsenal for eight years, you must be able to do something and that is exactly what we need now."

Hoeness added that Mertesacker would not do it for the money, but because he would be motivated by the challenge of building something and moving forward with passion.

ZDF pundit Mertesacker, 41, said recently: "At some point working at the DFB and giving something back to German football, to which I owe so much, appeals to me. Of course I am available for that,"

A successor must be found for managing director for sport Andreas Rettig, who is leaving the DFB at the end of the year. The future of sporting director Völler is uncertain.