The crisis in German football has reached a boiling point. The host country of next year's European Championship suffered a significant defeat at home against Japan on Saturday, marking their fifth consecutive match without a victory. National team coach Hansi Flick is the target of criticism in the German press.
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That was embarrassing!" wrote BILD immediately after the match. The German newspaper is known for not mincing words, and they didn't hold back on Saturday evening either. "Flick had announced before the game that he wanted to field his starting eleven. If this is our Euro team, we should be very worried. The defense, in particular, raised a lot of concerns."
BILD then turned its attention squarely to Flick, who is under significant pressure in Germany. "The team lacked imagination in the attack, and at the halftime whistle, Flick made his way to the dressing room amidst a chorus of boos. Flick must now really fear for his job. Only a miracle can help him in the friendly against France on Tuesday evening.
The magazine Kicker used slightly less sharp wording but was nonetheless critical of the team. "This was supposed to be the start of a good preparation for the European Championship on home soil, but it turned into humiliation. The national team had no idea in attack and was extremely error-prone in defense. Japan was hardly challenged."
According to Sky Sports, the crisis in Germany reached its peak on Saturday. The Frankfurter Allgemeine described it as the low point in Flick's tenure as the national team coach. "The match became an exhibition of all the things going wrong in German football. Footballing Germany, from amateurs to probably the top of the football association, will be wondering: Is Flick still the right national coach?"
Die Welt also wonders how long Flick can hold on as the national coach. "Is this the end for him? After terrible months, the coach called for a fresh start, but it went horribly wrong against Japan. It was a disgrace. Director Rudi Völler had already stated before the match, 'Flick needs to deliver.' Well, Flick did not deliver."
Updated: 02:15, 10 Sep 2023
