Kroos wants 'perfect' Arsenal legend to manage Germany

Robin Bairner

• 15 Dec 2022 09:56 GMT
• 3 min read

Arsenal will be forced into a management reshuffle if Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos gets his way and Germany land the man he believes would be “perfect” to lead the national team in the future.

For the second World Cup in succession, Germany crashed out of the competition in the group stages, with Olivier Bierhoff leaving his post as technical director as a consequence.

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Kroos, who quit international football after Euro 2020, believes that Per Mertesacker, who is presently head of academy operations at Arsenal, has the skillset required to step into the role, which is one above head coach Hansi Flick.

“I really think Per is the perfect man for the job. He is a great personality, also has an absolute authority and, on the other hand, he can also be a buddy guy,” he told the Einfach mal Luppen podcast.

“Per is mega professional and could also make sure that there is a certain closeness to the fans again. In my eyes, he would be the perfect man for the job. He has gained a lot of experience in the academy of Arsenal over the years.”

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Mertesacker on possible Germany role

Mertesacker, meanwhile, has distanced himself from the possibility of taking up a post with Germany.

“No, no one spoke to me after Bierhoff left. You also have to know that I am very, very happy in London – family and professionally,” he said.

“The gap that Oliver Bierhoff leaves is very large because, of course, the academy was added. Not only the national team, but also the academy plays an important role. I'll just wait and see. I enjoy my job at Arsenal and [German broadcaster] ZDF. I'm happy for now and I'll see what's in store for me.”

Arsenal appear safe from losing Mertesacker to Germany for now, but there is little doubt that the former centre-back is making waves in management circles.