Flick fired as Germany manager after Japan defeat

DFB president Bernd Neuendorf confirmed the departure in an official statement, which read: “The committees agreed that the men’s senior national team needs new impetus after the recent disappointing results. 

“We need facing the [2024] European Championship in a spirit of optimism and confidence in our own country. 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. But sporting success is the top priority for the DFB. So the decision was inevitable.”

Team director Rudi Voller, along with Sandro Wagner and Hannes Wolf, will assume interim managerial responsibilities for the Euro 2024 hosts in their upcoming friendly against France at Borussia Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday.

Former Bayern Munich manager Flick faced challenges in leaving his mark on the international stage, despite his remarkable seven-trophy run in just two years with the Bavarian club. His tenure included overseeing a disastrous 2022 World Cup campaign.

Germany endured a difficult start in Qatar, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Japan in their opening group stage match and subsequently being eliminated after a 1-1 draw with Spain.

The German Football Association (DFB) is actively working to appoint a new manager as swiftly as possible, given that Die Mannschaft has two friendlies against the United States and Mexico scheduled during the October international break.