Lukas Podolski, the owner of Polish club Górnik Zabrze, said Germany's football federation must resist the urge to expect immediate success from new national team coach Jurgen Klopp.
Podolski's comments came after the Deutscher Fußball-Bund, Germany's football federation, parted ways with Julian Nagelsmann following a disastrous World Cup campaign in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Germany were eliminated in the round of 16, losing on penalties to Paraguay.
Klopp, the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager, had long been tipped by German media as Nagelsmann's likely successor and had reportedly shown interest in taking charge of the national team himself. He left his role within the Red Bull organisation to take over the crisis-hit German setup. During his club career, Klopp won the Champions League and Premier League with Liverpool and two Bundesliga titles with Dortmund.
Podolski's warning
Podolski was approached by Sky journalists at the Dutch Grand Prix, which he attended, and was quoted by Home of Sports. He said he was excited, like everyone else, and was curious to see what style of play Klopp would introduce and which players he would call up.
But he cautioned against excessive optimism. He said the federation must not make the mistake of expecting great success too quickly. He said Klopp should be given time to work and the players should be allowed to understand his system, adding that he hoped this would produce a strong team for the next major tournament.
Upcoming Nations League fixtures
Germany are set to play four UEFA Nations League matches during the September and October international break. The competition, which brings together European national teams, will see Klopp's side first face the Netherlands in Amsterdam, before hosting Greece and Serbia. The campaign closes with a return fixture against Greece, this time away from home.
