Former Man Utd boss on Germany shortlist after Hansi Flick departure

A former Manchester United manager has been linked with the vacant role as manager of the German national team.

Germany are currently searching for a new manager to lead them into Euro 2024 after the recent departure of former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick.

The 58-year-old was sacked on 10 September after a demoralising 4-1 defeat to Japan in Wolfsburg. This made him the first ever German boss to be sacked since the role was created in 1926.

Rudi Voller, who managed the team from 2000 to 2004 has been tasked with steadying the ship as interim manager while the German FA begin their search for a new long-term head coach.

Attention has turned to Flick’s successor and Germany are determined to impress on home soil in next summer's European Championships.

Many names have been added to the shortlist of potential replacements and one of those is former Manchester United manager Ralf Ragnick.

Ragnick took charge of the Red Devils on an interim basis after the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and took charge of Man Utd for six months from December 2021 to May 2022.

Ragnick is labelled as the “godfather” of modern German football and is credited with developing the gegenpressing style of play. He is cited as a coaching influence for a number of the game's most successful managers including Jurgen Klopp, Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel.

But despite this reputation, Ragnick struggled to reach expectations at Old Trafford and he won just 11 of his 31 games in charge as the club fell to a 6th place finish.

The 65-year-old has been in charge of the Austrian national team since leaving Man Utd and he has distanced himself from rumours linking him with a move to join three-time European champions Germany.

When asked by reporters if he would consider the role, Ragnick simply replied: “No.”

He added: “I decided 14 months ago to work here as team boss and to prepare the team so that we qualify for the Euros and play a good role there. Everything else is not an issue for me.”

Ragnick currently has a record of six victories, three draws and four defeats as Austria coach.

His side are second in their European Championship qualifying group with 10 points from four games and only goal difference separates them from group leaders Belgium.

Ragnick’s side have the chance to boost their Euro 2024 hopes when they travel to third-placed Sweden in a crucial qualifier.

Who else has been linked with the Germany job?

Former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann is the clear favourite to succeed Flick in the Germany dugout.

The young coach was linked with roles at both Tottenham and Chelsea, but remains out of football.

Oliver Glasner is another contender to take on the vacant role and the Eintracht Frankfurt coach is a rising star in management after his Europa League triumph in 2022.

Rudi Voller guided Germany to the 2002 World Cup final during his last managerial stint and he is considered third favourite for the role.

Other names in the running include Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, Euro 96 winner Matthias Sammer and ex-Southampton boss Ralph Hassenhuttl.