Germany part ways with Hansi Flick

A little over nine months out from the opening game of UEFA EURO 2024 - which will take place in Germany - the tournament's host nation suffered a 4-1 loss against Japan at Wolfsburg's Volkswagen Arena. It represented Germany's third successive friendly defeat following June's setbacks against Poland and Colombia and increased the team's winless run to five games. 

Speaking after the decision to relieve Flick of his duties, DFB president Bernd Neuendorf said, "The committee agreed that the German national team needs a fresh impetus after the recent disappointing results. Going into the European Championship next summer, we need confidence and optimism in the country regarding our team." 

Neuendorf continued, "This has been one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make during my time in this role because I really respect Hansi Flick and his assistants, both on a professional and personal level. Sporting success is of the upmost importance to the DFB, which is why this decision had to be made.” 

Flick picked up the reins with Germany from Joachim Löw, whom he assisted during the nation's successful 2014 FIFA World Cup run, in 2021. The 58-year-old had previously led Bayern Munich to a club-first sextuple of Bundesliga, DFB Cup, UEFA Champions League, DFL Supercup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. He bowed out at the Bavarian giants with a second Bundesliga title in 2020/21. 

Saturday's loss against Japan was Flick's 25th game in charge of Germany. He was also on the losing side against the four-time Asian champions at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, in which Germany suffered group-stage elimination. 

Rudi Völler, Hannes Wolf and Sandro Wagner will take temporary charge of the team for Tuesday's friendly against France in Dortmund.