Oliver Bierhoff happy that the pathway to Bayern Munich’s Hansi Flick is now clear

DFB director Oliver Bierhoff had previously indicated that he would not speak to any coach that is currently under contract.

Despite that declaration, it was abundantly clear that the DFB had specifically targeted Hansi Flick to take over for Joachim Löw after this summer’s European Championships. The problem, however, was that Flick was tied to Bayern Munich through the 2022/2023 season.

Since the rumors initially surfaced, a lot has developed, including Flick’s verbal intent to step down, the club’s hiring of Julian Nagelsmann, and the subsequent free path for Flick to explore greener pastures.

Most importantly, with Flick’s pending resignation after this Bundesliga season ends, Bierhoff is now free-and-clear to approach Flick about the position that nearly everyone is assuming that the 56-year-old sextuple-winner has long wanted.

“You could say that. Now the way is free to talk to him. I know him. Hansi would make an excellent national coach,” said Bierhoff in the “Phrasenmöpf” podcast (as captured by Abendzeitung).

It seems like everything is a formality at this point, which is about a good an outcome for all involved as was thought to be possible.