Klopp Pursuit: Ex-World Champion Warns the DFB

Bastian Schweinsteiger has called on the German Football Association (DFB) to remain calm and prudent in its search for a new national team coach.

The 2014 World Cup winner views the strong focus on Jürgen Klopp critically and calls for a broader approach in the coaching search.

As an "ARD" expert before the World Cup quarter-final between France and Morocco, Schweinsteiger questioned whether the DFB even had a Plan B.

"Does the DFB have alternatives?" asked the 41-year-old, lamenting that the association currently lacks "a bit of composure."

"Also Needs a Counterpoint"

The ex-Bayern star also views skeptically the approach of the DFB leadership, including President Bernd Neuendorf and Hans-Joachim Watzke, who plan to travel to the USA for talks with Klopp.

The planned trip seemed "a bit hectic" to him. One must be careful "to also have a counterpoint," said Schweinsteiger.

Furthermore, the world champion warned against pinning all hopes on Klopp.

While the former Liverpool coach could provide important impulses, the problems of German football would not automatically be solved.

"We Are at Rock Bottom"

"We are at rock bottom," Schweinsteiger stated clearly. For him, Klopp is "the plaster if he heals the wound." However, whether it would heal completely is questionable.

For that, the DFB must work intensively with the next generation of players in the coming years. Schweinsteiger clearly articulated his appeal to the association: the DFB should "lower its expectations a bit."

As a short-term goal, he first named a return to the round of the last eight at a World Cup. "Just reaching a quarter-final at a World Cup again, that would already be good," said the 41-year-old.