During an interview with Sky Germany, Bayern Munich honorary president Uli Hoeneß shared his views on the German national team, Klopp coaching Germany, the structural reform of the German Football Association (DFB), the 2026 World Cup performance, FIFA president Gianni Infantino, and Kane's contract extension.

On Klopp as the new German national team coach

Hoeneß said: "Personally, I think Jürgen Klopp is a very good coach, really a very good coach. But I am not someone who likes hero worship. He seems to be omnipotent right now. It's impossible for him to just wave his hand and make everything change.

From what we know about him, he will work very hard and change many things, and many things will get better as a result. But he must be given time, and especially, people should not think he is a savior.

One thing I don't like about the whole thing is that his agent, Marc Kosicke, was also brought in. I am not entirely sure what he is supposed to do there, and I think that's an issue. In my opinion, the whole thing is like a 'friendly takeover.' Klopp and his team have taken over the DFB, and I think that's wrong."

On the future of the DFB

Hoeneß stated: "I believe the most important thing for German football is youth development. I am very happy that Mertesacker is now taking over this area. Firstly, I think his comments on TV make a lot of sense. Secondly, he himself played at the highest level. Thirdly, he was in charge of the youth academy at Arsenal for eight years. If even he can't do it, then who can? I expect him to bring a breath of fresh air. Anyway, I have always believed that the DFB should spin off its national teams at all levels—meaning women's, men's, U23, and U19 national teams—to form a limited liability company with independent management, and sign a profit-sharing agreement with the DFB.

How can the heads of regional football associations decide who should be the national team coach? They don't understand these things at all. Football is so professional now, it must be handled by professionals. Therefore, I strongly recommend that the DFB seriously consider spinning off the national teams. In that case, I can imagine that we might be able to usher in a new era."

On the DFB's mistakes at the 2026 World Cup

Hoeneß said: "I think our team's performance was an absolute disaster, a disgrace to our country. Of course, there are many different reasons behind this. Enough has been said about Nagelsmann; I don't think the responsibility lies entirely with him alone. Our strength is indeed not top-tier, but even so, we could still play a good World Cup. The Argentinians have proven this. Their team was not strong, but they fought like mad, and that's precisely what I didn't see in our team.

I'm not someone who would say 'go foul them.' But you have to play tough, you have to fight to the very end. I said before the World Cup that if we don't have a top team ourselves, then at least we need a well-coached team. But we didn't. Everything was a mess; we were always trying new things. These things should be done during the preparation phase, not at the World Cup."

On FIFA President Infantino and his influence on sporting decisions

Hoeneß said: "Mr. Infantino has made some mistakes in his football career, but this is one of the most serious. If you let someone like Trump decide or influence whether a player should be suspended, that's the beginning of the end for competitive sports. If we can accept even such things, then this is no longer the sport I know. For me, this is completely unacceptable."

On Infantino's World Cup plans

Hoeneß said: "I never thought anyone could come up with such an idea. And the entire direction Infantino is pushing for—now 48 teams, and next it will be 64. We are already giving up our players for six weeks, and after that it might be even longer, which is unbelievable. I genuinely support the smaller associations, but the World Cup must be an elite event. Otherwise, more TV stations will pay, but one thing will be sacrificed as a result: football itself."

On Infantino's future at FIFA

Hoeneß said: "I can only advise him to actively reach out to UEFA and find a solution. From what I hear, otherwise, by next spring, his situation will be very difficult, and it's even questionable whether he will be able to run for election at all."

On Harry Kane's possible contract extension

Hoeneß said: "I know that Eberl and Dreesen have been in very close contact with his family. His father and brother are his agents, and they started preliminary talks some time ago, so this is not new information to me. Such negotiations usually last for several weeks or even months, but communication between both parties has always been maintained on a very good personal level. I am quite optimistic; I think Harry Kane will extend his contract with us, which would certainly be a great stroke of luck for us."

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