Rudi Voller becomes Germany's national team director

Former Germany striker

stepped down from his role as Germany team director after

's early World Cup exit in the group stage.

After deliberations from a DFB task force including Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Oliver Kahn, Matthias Sammer, Oliver Mintzlaff, and Voller himself, Germany president Hans-Joachim Watzke offered 62-year-old

the job ahead of Euro 2024, which Germany hosts.

"First I asked: 'Is there nobody else?' I wasn't really convinced,"

said Voller.

"In the end I let myself be convinced."

Watzke added:

"Then we found each other more and more. In the meantime, a friendship and a total relationship of trust have developed from it. Rudi is actually ideal for this position."

Voller said:

"First of all, we have to lay the foundations for a successful home European Championship in 2024, supported by the whole of Germany. We have the players to do this.

"Out of these top players, we want to form a close-knit community, a strong-willed and likeable national team with the clear purpose of winning back the complete support of the fans. Above all, I would like to give plenty of support to head coach Hansi Flick and his coaching team."

Germany coach, 

said of the appointment:

"Rudi is a constant in German football. He has thrilled the fans in both his manner and his successes as a player, coach and general manager.

"At this point in time, with his experience with the national team and his years of work at Bayer Leverkusen, he is the right appointment for the task ahead. My coaching team and I are looking forward to working together with him towards the home European Championship next year."

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