Volker Finke demands a foreign coach because he rejects Klopp

In the DFB headquarters, where the appointment of Jürgen Klopp as national team coach was being debated, Volker Finke, the 78‑year‑old Freiburg coaching legend, stood with a thoughtful look. He said the decision creates a “strange feeling” because no alternative options were considered and the selection was one‑sided.

Many observers saw the choice of Jürgen Klopp as national team coach as a logical decision. Nevertheless, critical voices emerged, foremost Volker Finke, who preferred a different path. A photo by Alex Grimm documents Finke’s emphatic stance.

Finke calls for a view beyond the borders of German football

Finke, who coached SC Freiburg from 1991 to 2007, advocated a view beyond the borders of German football. He said he even called DFB managing director Andreas Rettig when the search for a new national team coach was underway.

“Andreas, please act quickly. Guardiola is available. There are foreign coaches available,” he is said to have told Rettig. With this he wanted to make clear that a coach from abroad was immediately available.

“Now we can finally get a coach for German football who brings these ideas from other countries and the playing philosophy,” Finke continued. He saw in a foreign coach the chance for new impulses.

Criticism of DFB decision and outlook

The DFB ultimately chose Jürgen Klopp, which triggered a “strange feeling” in Finke. The 78‑year‑old criticized that not enough different possibilities had been considered. Finke even wanted to take a different route in the DFB search. The discussion arose after the dismissal of Julian Nagelsmann.

“For me it is a strange feeling that different possibilities were not considered,” he said. In his view there was “only one direction and no other considerations.”

At the same time Finke emphasized that he does not deny Klopp’s qualification at all. “I think Klopp has had enough success that this can be absolutely justified and seen positively,” he explained.

His personal preference lies with a foreign coach, particularly from Spain or France. Perhaps it is time to “bring in a Mediterranean coach or a coach from abroad.”

Whether Finke’s doubts are confirmed by Jürgen Klopp’s uneven start remains unclear. After the 1‑1 draw against the Netherlands, a 0‑1 defeat to Greece followed on Sunday evening.