Germany sack Hansi Flick as head coach after Japan defeat
Hansi Flick has been sacked as the coach of the German national team following a disappointing 4-1 loss to Japan in a friendly match last Saturday.
The former Bayern Munich manager, who was formerly an assistant to World Cup-winning coach Joachim Low, becomes the first Germany boss to be relieved of his role since it began in 1926.
Flick, a sextuple winner with Bayern, has found it tough to replicate the coaching success he had with the Bavarians with the German national team. He has led Germany to just 12 wins in 25 matches since taking over as head coach in August 2021.
The 58-year-old, along with his assistants Marcus Sorg and Danny Rohl, have all been dismissed. He enjoyed a blistering start to his career as coach of the national side with eight wins, but their recent form has been one of the poorest they have ever had.
Die Mannschaft endured a disappointing World Cup campaign last time out in Qatar and has lost four of their past five games, including three in a row.
German Football Association president Bernd Neuendorf said: “The men’s senior national team needs new impetus after the recent disappointing results.
“Going into the European Championship next summer, we need confidence and optimism in the country regarding our team.
“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.
“However, sporting success is of the upmost importance to the DFB, which is why this decision had to be made.”
The German FA boss revealed that Rudi Voller, who managed the team for four years, from 2000 to 2004, will take temporary control for their friendly game against France this Tuesday.
Voller, a former German international, was appointed director of the German national team in February, and he will be assisted in the meantime by Hannes Wolf and Sandro Wagner.
The UEFA EURO 2024 is less than a year away, and with Germany as hosts, their search for a replacement will commence very soon, with current Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and former Bayern manager Julian Nagelsmann among the names being looked at.
