Overview
- The DFB has confirmed Per Mertesacker will become its sporting director and will begin the role in January, taking charge of long‑term sports strategy and oversight of national teams.
- Mertesacker used a public appearance in Frankfurt to accept the PEGASOS prize for his foundation's work on integrating children and to signal a deliberate, behind‑the‑scenes handover.
- He said he will not attend the national team's imminent training camp and that he will avoid public promotion of the role before his official start.
- Mertesacker reported limited direct contact so far with coach Jürgen Klopp but praised Klopp's clarity of approach and said he plans to coordinate with him after January.
- A former centre‑back with 104 caps and a member of Germany's 2014 World Cup squad, Mertesacker set a clear aim to rebuild Germany into the top four and the DFB will now move to implement his strategic program.