Germany has taken the surprising step of sacking national team coach Hansi Flick, a mere nine months ahead of hosting Euro 2024, following a humiliating 4-1 defeat by Japan on Saturday.
This decision marks the first time in history that a German head coach has been dismissed since the role was established in 1926.
Rudi Voeller, the sporting director and former coach who led Germany to a World Cup final in 2002, will temporarily assume the coaching responsibilities. The appointment of a permanent successor will be announced at a later date.
The decision to part ways with Flick was described as “unavoidable” by German Football Association (DFB) boss Bernd Neuendorf, citing the team’s recent string of “disappointing” results. Neuendorf emphasized the need for a positive and confident outlook in preparation for the European Championships to be held in Germany in June 2024.
During the friendly match in Wolfsburg, the German team was thoroughly outplayed by Japan, with goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s acrobatics preventing an even larger deficit. The home fans expressed their disappointment by booing the team at halftime and some chanting “Hansi out” at the conclusion of the match.
Germany’s recent struggles have been evident, as they have now lost four out of six matches since their early exit from the World Cup in December. The decision to dismiss Flick is seen as a departure from Germany’s historical reluctance to make drastic changes in the coaching position.
Hansi Flick, appointed in May 2021 after Joachim Loew’s 15-year tenure, enjoyed initial success with Germany, winning his first eight matches. However, his later tenure saw a decline in performance, with just four victories in 17 matches and a group stage exit at the Qatar World Cup.
Following Saturday’s loss, Flick expressed his determination to continue in his role, stating that he believed in the team’s direction. However, emotions ran high after the Japan defeat, and the decision to part ways with Flick was ultimately made.
Rudi Voeller, who assumed the role of interim coach in 2000 and led Germany to the 2002 World Cup final, will now guide the team in the short term. His first match in charge will be a friendly against World Cup runners-up France in Dortmund on Tuesday.