Next man up: Odds on Germany’s next manager are in and you won’t believe a few of the names on the list

When the news broke a few hours ago that Joachim Löw would step down from his post as manager of Germany after this summer’s European Championships, the next thoughts for many people immediately began with speculation on who might take over.

Of course, Bayern Munich’s Hansi Flick was one of the first names bandied about. Per Ladbrokes (as captured by FreeTips.com), however, the list of favorites to take over has some head-scratching selections and is missing at least one major name — Flick:

• Stefan Kuntz, Germany U-21 manager: 1/4
• Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool manager: 3/1
• Arsene Wenger, former Arsenal manager: 8/1 (French)
• Julian Nagelsmann, RB Leipzig manager: 12/1
• Jürgen Klinsmann, former Bayern Munich and Germany (among others) manager: 12/1
• Jupp Heynckes, former Bayern Munich manager: 12/1

Surprising, eh? Here is what Ladbrokes told FreeTips.com:

Ladbrokes spokesperson Alex Apati told FreeTips.com: “Klopp and Kuntz are the two standout names leading the way in the race for the Germany job and while things may not have gone according to plan for the latter at Liverpool this season, punters are seemingly convinced the recent national vacancy might pave the way for his Anfield exit.”

Some names that are missing from that list who could potentially be a factor include:

• Hansi Flick, Bayern Munich manager
• Ralf Rangnick, former RB Leipzig manager
• Ralph Hasenhüttl, Southampton manager (Austrian)
• Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea manager

Given Liverpool’s slide this season, it would seem like perfect timing for Klopp to take over and it would also represent a smooth transition as nothing would need to be announced until after the club season ends or even after the Euros are complete.

Tuchel just took over Chelsea, so it is highly unlikely he would move on from that post, but Rangnick could be an interesting possibility from those names not listed by Ladbrokes.

It would be shocking, however, if Flick does not at least accept a phone call from the DFB on the matter. It sounds odd, but Flick has already won everything he can possible win on the club scene after his sextuple-winning campaign over the past two seasons.

Surely, Bayern Munich fans would like to see the 56-year-old stay put, so the next few months could be a little tense should his name start to become a major point in the discussion.