Julian Nagelsmann wouldn’t be drawn on who should be the next Germany manager as he prepares to face off against Jurgen Klopp in the Champions League again.
But he insists it won't be himself... and doesn't expect the Kop boss to take the role either.
It was announced on Tuesday that World Cup winner Joachim Löw would step down as Germany boss after 15 years at the helm.
The 61-year-old, in situ since replacing Jurgen Klinsmann in 2006, will leave his role with Die Mannschaft following this summer’s re-arranged European Championship.
Liverpool chief Klopp is considered a leading contender to potentially replace Löw, with DFB chiefs known to be major fans of the Kop boss.
The Anfield boss is among bookmakers’ favourites for the job, along with Under-21 boss Stefan Kuntz, while Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick - previously Löw’s No.2 - is also prime in the thinking of DFB officials.
Another potential candidate is Ralf Rangnick, the mentor of the current RB Leipzig boss.
But ahead of his side’s Champions League last 16 second leg with Liverpool on Wednesday night, it was a Klopp about whom Nagelsmann was asked.
Questioned on a potential homecoming for the ex-Borussia Dortmund boss, Nagelsmann said: “Please excuse my that i won’t answer this question in detail because we have an important game tomorrow and frankly, I don’t care who will be the national coach.
“So I don’t want to answer the question. Jurgen Klopp, of course, he’s an exceptional coach.
“I think that Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp are content with their partnership.
“So I don’t know if it’s a good question, you should ask that to Jurgen.
“I think the DFB has huge personnel and they will think about this question; I’m not part of this stuff at DFB so it’s not up to me to answer the question.”
Asked whether he would consider himself as a candidate, Nagelsmann’s response was a quick and sharp: “No”.
Nagelsmann was immediately proved correct on the subject of Klopp, who shut down suggestions he could leave Liverpool in his own pre-game press conference.
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