Per Mertesacker Calls for Stronger Mentality as DFB Managing Director
A 2014 World Cup champion is set to step into a significant role at the DFB, where he has already expressed his vision for addressing gaps in the German national team.
Per Mertesacker emphasized the necessity for a stronger mentality and the need for genuine characters within the squad. Speaking to ‘Bild’ at the Sports Press Ball—where he received the title “Athlete with Heart”—Mertesacker remarked, “Maybe the ice bath will become important again at the DFB.”
He raised critical questions about the number of strong personalities available for future challenges, asserting that the team must foster an environment that enhances the individual characters of players.
Mertesacker’s comments hark back to a memorable moment from the 2014 World Cup, when he passionately defended the team following a tense victory over Algeria. In a heated exchange with ZDF reporter Boris Büchler, Mertesacker rejected criticisms, stating, “Do you think there’s some kind of carnival team among the last 16 or what? I’m going to spend three days in the ice bath now, and then we’ll analyse the match calmly.” Shortly thereafter, Germany emerged as world champions.
Taking over from Andreas Rettig, Mertesacker will assume the DFB managing director role on January 1. Although he won’t officially join the team for the upcoming Nations League matches against Serbia and the Netherlands, he is monitoring the situation closely. He praised head coach Jürgen Klopp’s clarity and strategy, stating, “One thing is already clear right now: Jürgen Klopp has a certain clarity and a clear strategy at the moment. I think that is serving us very, very well.”
Despite the positive start under Klopp, Mertesacker acknowledged the team’s journey ahead, especially in light of the high expectations of German football. “We all want to get back among the very best, particularly into the top four. That’s what we’ll work towards. Jürgen has taken some good first steps. But it will take several more steps to get back to where we once were.”
