Per Mertesacker has commented on speculation about an engagement with the German Football Association (DFB). “As far as Oliver Bierhoff is concerned, things went relatively quickly. But now the waves are smoothed. Now you can look to the future and try to find the right staff,” said the former international and current ZDF expert on Saturday about the beginning of the week announced the resignation of DFB director Bierhoff.
When asked if the DFB had already knocked on his door, the 38-year-old replied: “No one has spoken to me after Bierhoff’s exit. You also have to know that I’m very, very happy in London – family and professionally,” said the former Arsenal FC professional.
Mertesacker does not want to rule out a move to the DFB
However, Mertesacker, current head of Arsenal youth work, did not want to categorically rule out a job with the association: “You have to ask yourself the question at the DFB, how should it go on, which people you contact now. That’s why I’m waiting for now. I don’t like to speculate.”
The DFB is looking for a successor after Bierhoff’s resignation, and a double solution is also under discussion. Mertesacker reacted with sympathy to the serious injury of his former national team colleague Manuel Neuer, who broke his lower leg while skiing after the DFB team were eliminated from the World Cup and will be out for the rest of the season: “It’s a real shame for him and for FC Bayern “The whole season is over. He’ll be 37 next year too – so you can only wish him the best of luck that he’ll get well again as soon as possible. Really bad news for the German team and for Manuel Neuer.”