Hansi Flick has been sacked as manager of Germany Men’s National Team after a poor run of results.
Flick replaced Joachim Low in summer 2021 following Germany’s Round of 16 exit against England at UEFA Euro 2020 in June 2021, yet oversaw an awful Group Stage exit at 2022 FIFA World Cup plus just one win in six matches in 2023.
The final straw came in a 4-1 friendly loss to Japan last night (9 September), – having previously lost 2-1 to Japan in their opening group match at the World Cup, with Takuma Asano having scored for the Japanese in both meetings.
DFB President, Bernd Neuendorf subsequently called an emergency board meeting where it was determined that Flick had to be sacked with immdiate effect, in order to maximise time for “a new impetus” ahead of hosting next summer’s UEFA Euro 2024 on German soil.
Neuendorf proceeded to explain the decision to dimiss Flick as he commented: “With a view to the European championship in their own country, a spirit of optimism and confidence.
“For me personally, it is one of the most difficult decisions in my term of office so far. Because I appreciate Hansi Flick and his assistant coaches as football experts and people. However, sporting success is the top priority for the DFB. Therefore, the decision was inevitable.”
Neuendorf meanwhile confirmed that German Football Director, Rudi Voller will take interim charge for the friendly against France on Tuesday 12 September.
Voller in-turn praisd Flick for his efforts but admitted that the team’s progress was “no longer” achievable under his compatriot, especially in acknowledgement that Germany are UEFA Euro hosts next summer which require them to be “demanding and ambitious” to match fan expectations.
Hannes Wolf and Sandro Wagner will support Voller against France, before the DFB set about appointing a new manager who can “realign our team at short notice and prepare them for next year’s major European Championship tournament,” whilst providing “positive impetus for Germany.”
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