Ex-Germany stars urge DFB and Klopp to recruit Mertesacker

Former Germany players Stefan Effenberg and Pierre Littbarski want 2014 World Cup winner Per Mertesacker to be part of a re-jig at the German Football Federation (DFB) following a third straight early World Cup exit.

Jürgen Klopp is poised to replace Julian Nagelsmann as coach but with DFB managing director Amdreas Rettig stepping down at the end of the year, Mertesacker is being backed for such a job or as a Klopp assistant.

"I can well imagine Per Mertesacker being involved. He worked very successfully at Arsenal," 1990 World Cup winner Littbarski told Sport1's Doppelpass on Sunday.

Mertesacker, 41, was head of Arsenal's youth academy for eight years after retiring as a player but is now free, apart from his World Cup punditry duty for broadcaster ZDF.

His calm demeanour on screen and his youth development knowledge are seen as key traits which could help end Germany's rut. Mertesacker has said he is open to talking to the DFB.

Former Bayern Munich captain Effenberg added: "I think Mertesacker is a great idea. It makes sense. You need more expertise in that unit. That is very important for building from the bottom up."

Bayern honorary president and 1974 World Cup winner Uli Hoeness had previously backed Mertesacker for a DFB role.