Bastian Schweinsteiger backs Louis van Gaal for Germany manager role

Bastian Schweinsteiger has thrown his support behind Louis van Gaal as a potential replacement for Julian Nagelsmann as Germany manager.

What did Bastian Schweinsteiger say?

The 2014 World Cup winner told ARD on Wednesday that Van Gaal would be a smart pick if Jürgen Klopp’s move to the DFB falls through. Schweinsteiger worked under Van Gaal at Bayern Munich from 2009 to 2011 and praised the Dutchman’s ability to build structured teams.

“If Louis van Gaal has the energy, then yes, 100%. He’d be a good fit, too. He’s someone who can build something new and has a clear structure,” Schweinsteiger said after Argentina beat England in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

Why does Van Gaal appeal to Schweinsteiger?

Schweinsteiger pointed to Van Gaal’s track record with the Netherlands, including a third-place finish at the 2014 World Cup. The Dutch coach also led Bayern to the 2010 Champions League final and three Bundesliga titles.

“He’s already proven with the Netherlands that he can always take them far. If Jürgen Klopp weren’t in the running, Van Gaal would be at the top of my list,” Schweinsteiger added.

Where does the Germany job stand now?

The DFB’s supervisory board met online on Wednesday, but sources say it was only informational-no decisions were made. Bernd Neuendorf, the DFB president, briefed stakeholders on recent talks with Klopp in New York and Munich.

Klopp’s potential salary and compensation to Red Bull-his current employer-weren’t discussed. A major hurdle remains his private advertising deals, with reports suggesting conflicts over rival sponsorships could scuttle a deal.

What’s next for Germany’s search?

The DFB must now weigh Schweinsteiger’s endorsement against other options if Klopp’s talks collapse. Van Gaal, 74, has the experience but would need to confirm his availability and fitness for the role.

For now, the search continues with no firm timeline. Klopp remains the frontrunner, but Schweinsteiger’s public backing gives Van Gaal a high-profile ally in the race.