Lars Ricken: Bundesliga Clubs Bear Greater Responsibility for National Team

Borussia Dortmund's Managing Director, Lars Ricken, has stated that Bundesliga clubs bear a responsibility to act following Germany's latest disappointing World Cup campaign. He emphasized that Jürgen Klopp alone cannot be the sole savior of German football.

Ricken, speaking to reporters on the first day of the "Black and Yellows'" pre-season training, referred to the former Liverpool manager, a likely future national team coach, as the "all-encompassing problem-solving package."

"Ultimately, however, we as clubs are responsible and have an obligation to train players in such a way that they can make a difference at a World Cup," Ricken added, as quoted by DPA.

The 2002 World Cup runner-up expressed surprise at Germany's elimination in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup against Paraguay. "The performance of our national team was anything but satisfactory. I was at the match against Ivory Coast myself. If we had lost, it wouldn't have been undeserved either," Lars Ricken commented.

After a dominant 7-1 victory over Curaçao in their opening match in North America, the Germans secured a 2-1 win against Ivory Coast. However, they then suffered a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in their final group stage match and were subsequently knocked out by Paraguay on penalties in the first round of the knockout stage.

"I can understand the debate about player quality. But, representing Germany, no matter who is on the field, you have to beat Ecuador and Paraguay," Ricken asserted.

Head coach Julian Nagelsmann resigned after the World Cup exit. Former Borussia Dortmund manager Klopp is expected to take over the role if he reaches an agreement with his current employers at Red Bull, where he serves as Head of Global Football.

"What does he bring? Authority, experience, of course, a sense of a new beginning... and a certain clarity. I think that will do us extremely good. We get all of that, but it still doesn't guarantee us victory. We, as clubs, have a greater obligation than the national coach," Lars Ricken concluded.