Jurgen Klopp & Liverpool legend on eight-man Germany manager shortlist

Jurgen Klopp is on an eight-man shortlist to replace Hansi Flick as the German national team manager. However, the Liverpool manager is ultimately seen as an unattainable target.

Flick was dismissed Germany boss after a 4-1 friendly defeat to Japan at the weekend.

Germany have now suffered defeat in four of their last five outings, while the four-time World Cup winners did not make it out of the group stage in Qatar last winter.

Rudi Voller will take temporary charge of the national team, though early reports claim that Klopp is on the DFB's (the German FA) wish list to succeed Flick.

Bild name eight candidates that the DFB are considering to take over for next summer's home European Championships.

The report claims that while Klopp is a dream candidate for Germany, he is not a realistic target in the short term.

Speaking earlier this summer, Klopp outlined his commitment to Liverpool when asked about the possibility of one day taking over the national team gig.

"The problem that stands in the way of the whole thing is my loyalty," Klopp said. "I can't just leave Liverpool now and say I'll take over Germany for a short time. That doesn't work and the request isn't even there.

"If I'm supposed to do that at some point, then I have to be available and I'm not currently. I have a responsibility towards the club."

Also on Bild's supposed shortlist to replace Flick are former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann (who is the early favourite for the job), as well as temporary boss Voller, Louis van Gaal, Oliver Glasner and Matthias Sammer.

Meanwhile, wildcard options include former Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick and Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso, who is currently in charge of Bayer Leverkusen.

Since taking over at in October 2022, 41-year-old Alonso has guided Leverkusen to a Europa League semi final and sixth-placed Bundesliga finish.