GERMANY
What has gone wrong for Germany? Voller discusses the issues after Flick’s sacking
German FA sporting director Rudi Voller has taken over the national team on an interim basis.
Germany sacked Hansi Flick on Sunday, just nine months out from hosting Euro 2024. With four defeats in their last five games, the pressure was mounting for Flick, who was relieved of his duties just hours after Saturday’s 4-1 defeat to Japan.
Voller takes over
German FA sporting director Rudi Voller, who coached Germany at the 2002 World Cup, has taken over the national team on an interim basis. Voller has spoken about the role ahead of Germany’s match against France on Tuesday.
“Tomorrow is a one-time thing for me and after that, I’ll try to support the new coach as best I can,” said Voller.
“Regardless of tomorrow’s game, it is important that we find a successor quickly. That will be the main task.”
On Nagelsmann being the favorite for the role
“How am I supposed to answer that? Of course, there are names, but I can’t say who they all are. Of course, Julian Nagelsmann is a top coach.”
France game
Part of the issues the German side have had, have been in defence and Japan proved that on the weekend, scoring four times.
“The most important thing for tomorrow is to improve defensively. France are clearly the best team in Europe at the moment. They have incredibly fast players in transition. We experienced against Japan what can happen when you lose the ball carelessly.”
World Cup elimination
“We were eliminated from a World Cup in the group stage twice in a row. It’s obvious that something is wrong. However, even if it doesn’t seem like it to many people at the moment, we still have players who are incredibly creative.
“We have quick players, players who can be successful in the European Championship next year. France are, of course, the big favorites.
“I don’t think we can blame a lack of effort recently. The team gave everything, but of course made too many mistakes. You can’t allow yourself to make mistakes like that against Japan, France.
“The attitude is there. The boys are fired up and we will try everything to make it really difficult for France.”
Who could replace Flick?
Julian Nagelsmann is currently without a club and is one of the managerial candidates, 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 and Oliver Glasner have also been linked with the job.
Voller, Hannes Wolf and Sandro Wagner will take charge of the national team for Germany’s match against France in Dortmund on Tuesday.