Jurgen Klopp's managerial comeback at risk of delay as current boss defended

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Julian Nagelsmann's future as Germany head coach has been the subject of speculation, with Jurgen Klopp having joked about the national team coach's position — prompting DFB chiefs to publicly back their manJurgen Klopp continues to be linked with the Germany job(Image: Getty Images)Germany's soccer chief, Rudi Voller, has reaffirmed his backing of Julian Nagelsmann following the country's shock World Cup loss to Ecuador.Nagelsmann's position came under scrutiny after Jurgen Klopp made light of the head coach's prospects, having himself been touted for the role. Despite the setback, the national side's sporting director, Voller, was keen to champion Nagelsmann's credentials.The 66-year-old, who netted 47 times in 90 international appearances, evidently shares a robust working relationship with the head coach, even being described as a soccer father figure."I'm not sitting here because I have to protect Julian," he stated at a press conference.

"This isn't just something I say because I have to in my official capacity, but Julian is an absolutely top-class coach."He knows that being the national coach means that many people will have different opinions on decisions. But he's experienced enough to handle that."Julian Nagelsmann is under pressure(Image: Getty Images)There has been considerable frustration in the wake of Germany's defeat to Ecuador, though the team had already secured its place in the knockout stages after victories over the Ivory Coast and Curacao.

Earlier this month, he confirmed that Nagelsmann would remain at the helm beyond the 2028 Euros."The DFB is completely satisfied with how Julian is doing," he said. You couldn't wish for anything better."While that may have been the DFB's stance, Klopp's quip certainly seems to have prompted Voller and his colleagues to reinforce their position.