Hansi Flick sacked: Who will replace him as Germany’s head coach?

Germany have sacked coach Hansi Flick just nine months from hosting Euro 2024 after Saturday’s 4-1 defeat to Japan, the German FA (DFB) announced on Sunday.

Germany have lost four of their last five games which comes on the back of a group-stage exit at last year’s World Cup.

German Football Association president Bernd Neuendorf said: “The men’s senior national team needs new impetus after the recent disappointing results. We need a spirit of optimism and confidence in our own country.

“For me personally, it is one of the most difficult decisions of my time in office so far because I appreciate Hansi Flick and his assistant coaches as football experts and people. But sporting success is the top priority for the DFB. So the decision was inevitable.”

First sacking by Germany

Flick has become the first and only Germany head coach to be sacked since the position was created in 1926. German FA sporting director Rudi Voeller, who coached the side at the 2002 World Cup, will take over the national team on an interim basis.

What did Flick say after Japan defeat?

“First of all you are extremely disappointed, you have to recognize that Japan are a good team. We currently don’t have the means to outplay such a compact defence. It was simply not enough. We started the game well, but the first chance that Japan had was a goal. I don’t think that the team can be accused of anything. They tried again and again, but then there were individual mistakes. The opponent took advantage of them and deservedly won,” Flick said on Saturday.

He added: “It’s clear that there’s great disappointment and I can understand the criticism. I can’t say anything more about it. I’m the right coach but I can’t foresee what else will come.”

Who could replace Flick?

Liverpool head coach Jürgen Klopp is the preferred choice, but he has a contract with Liverpool until 2026. Julian Nagelsmann is currently without a club, but his contract with Bayern Munich until 2026, despite his sacking, remains in place and includes a clause that must be paid by any club that wants his services. Matthias Sammer, Oliver Glasner and Völler himself are also in the running for the job.

Germany take on France next

Voller, Hannes Wolf and Sandro Wagner will take charge of the national team for Germany’s match against France in Dortmund on Tuesday. A replacement for Flick is a priority and they hope to appoint the next head coach as soon as possible.

Flick was appointed Germany manager in August 2021, replacing Joachim Low following the 2021 European Championships.