The men’s German national team has got off to a flying start in their 2022 World Cup qualification bid.

They’re sitting pretty on top of Group J, after winning their opening two games. Albeit you’d expect them to win the group with ease, but you must play what’s in front of you.

Germany dispatched of Iceland. 3-0 in their opening qualifying game and followed that up with a 1-0 win over Romania, in Bucharest.

Manager Joachim Low is once again blessed with a squad heaving with talent playing in the top European leagues.

While it may not be as deep as his World Cup winning squad in 2014, they’re vastly improved from the side that crashed out of the 2018 tournament, finishing rock bottom of Group F.

Joachim Low

Despite a disastrous World Cup three years ago, nobody can argue the fantastic job Joachim Low has done at the German helm.

The now 61-year-old joined the Germany national team in 2004, as assistant to Jurgen Klinsmann. Following World Cup 2006 in Germany, Low took over as manager, and has been in the role ever since.

During his reign, Low has provided his home nation with one of its all-time best national sides. Especially, during the early and mid-2010’s, and that’s saying something, considering the wealth of talented Germany squads over the decades.

As mentioned, Low guided Germany to a World Cup win in 2014.

Along with a runners-up spot in 2010, and another silver medal in the 2008 European Championship competition. That is without discussing his multiple individual accolades, such as winning the FIFA World Coach of the Year award in 2014.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.

It was recently announced that Joachim Low would be stepping down as Germany manager after the Euros this summer.

The unexpected early announcement now gives the German Football Association ample time to find a suitable successor.

From the word go, the rumour mill started turning, with plenty of notable coaches linked with the role in the back pages.

So, today let’s check out some of the managers that are the most viable candidates for the Germany job.

As always, let us know your suggestions down in the comment section below.

5. Jurgen Klopp

As soon as the news about Joachim Low dropped, every major sport news outlet seemingly linked Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp with the Germany job.

It has been a difficult season for the 53-year-old, both professionally and personally.

His Liverpool side have had a disastrous defence of their Premier League title. The Merseyside outfit currently sit 7^th in the table, 25 points off leaders, Manchester City.

They’ve been unlucky with injuries, but overall performances and inconsistency are seeing the champions struggle to even finish in the top four.

Off the field, it was sad to hear about the passing of Jurgen Klopp’s mother. Due to Covid-19, Jurgen hasn’t been able to grieve this devastating loss in the proper manner.

This has caused Klopp to cut a dejected figure over the past number of weeks. Perhaps, a move back to his native Germany could be the best course of action.

No matter what, the Liverpool supporters will always adore Jurgen for helping to deliver their first Premier League title last season.

However, with Steven Gerrard finding title winning success up in Scotland, is it time for the prodigal son to return home?

No, probably not, but it sure is fun to speculate.

4. Julian Nagelsmann

Here we have one of the most exciting managerial prospects in world football.

The 33-year-old seems destined for greatness as a top European coach, but could he take his talents to the international stage?

The German has been excelling at RB Leipzig, guiding his side to the Champions League semi-final stage during the 2019/20 edition of the famous tournament. Making Nagelsmann the youngest manager to ever win a UEFA Champions League knockout tie.

They’re also giving Bayern Munich a run for their money in the Bundesliga. Sitting in second place, just four points off the champions, who are looking to win their ninth consecutive title.

His young age, and impressive displays will make him hot property for many European clubs.

Maybe the allure of coaching his national side will be hard to turn down if that opportunity presents itself.

3. Jurgen Klinsmann

The Germany national team could come full circle and replace Joachim Low with the man he took over for.

Since leaving his post as Germany manager, the legendary Jurgen Klinsmann has continued to do well for himself on the international stage.

Klinsmann was announced as manager for the United States men’s national team in 2011. Replacing Swansea City legend Bob Bradley, course you remember him.

Under the tutelage of the German, America successful qualified for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

They did land into a difficult group with Portugal, Ghana and who else, Germany, but managed to surprisingly advance to the knockout stages of the prestigious tournament. Ultimately, getting dumped out by Belgium in the last 16.

While he’s doing decent work at his current club Hertha Berlin, a return to the German national side might not be out of the question.

Klinsmann would certainly be a reliable pair of hands after the long-standing Joachim Low steps away.

2. Stefan Kuntz

Silly second name aside, we’re getting into the more realistic candidates now.

Stefan was always a reliable goal scorer during his playing days. Bagging goals for the likes of Besiktas, 1. FC Kaiserslautern and the German national team.

He settled into numerous managerial jobs after retirement, mostly in the lower leagues of German football.

However, he’s now the manager of the Germany U21’s team and has been since 2016.

Stefan guided Germany’s Under-21 side to a European Championship victory in 2017, beating Spain 1-0 in the final.

He’s been partly responsible for the constant flow of amazing young talent into the Germany ranks.

Rewarding Stefan Kuntz for his excellent work could be a real breath of fresh air.

No matter how they do in Euro 2020, it’s going to be a new era when Low is gone. So, now is the time to really hit that home with the appointment of, Stefan Kuntz.

1. Hans-Dieter Flick

Doing this list would make anyone appreciate the wealth of unbelievable German coaches in the game today.

Flick has been working wonders to ensure the dominance of Bayern Munich continues at a European and domestic level.

He joined the German giants in 2019, as assistant to Niko Kovac.

After the Croatian was ousted from the job only a few months in, Flick stepped in as interim manager. It was quickly made into a permanent appointment after impressing the higher ups at Bayern.

Since then, Flick has won the Champions League, Bundesliga, German Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Flick and his side look almost unstoppable in all competitions they’re involved in. With many tipping them to retain the Champions League this season too.

This would be another appointment that would make things come full circle.

Flick was named as Joachim Low’s assistant manager for the national side back in 2006 and stayed there until 2014. Finishing up as a vital member of the 2014 World Cup winning squad.

He’s arguably the best German manager currently working, he could finish up with a bang at Bayern, winning some expected silverware come the end of the season.

After that it’s hard to look past Hans-Dieter Flick as the man to lead Germany going forward. Especially when you consider his relationship with the German Football Association, acting as their Sporting Director in the past.