Hansi Flick was officially dismissed from his position as coach of the German national team, not long after being defeated by Japan 1-4. The trial match between Germany vs Japan at the Volkswagen Arena, Saturday (9/9/2023) local time, left Hansi Flick bitter.
Flick watched as his German team was slashed by the Japanese Blue Samurai. The Panzer Team’s goal was broken four times by goals from Junji Ito, Ayase Ueda, Takuma Asano and Ao Tanaka. Germany, who could only scored once via Leroy Sane, was helpless and gave up 1-4.
The Course of the Match
Germany had smelled signs of disaster since the 11th minute, when Junji Ito broke through Marc-Andre Ter Stegen’s goal. The Panzer Team’s hope of getting up happened when Leroy Sane equalized eight minutes later. However, Ayase Ueda’s finish (22′) from close range restored Japan’s lead. The team alias Samurai Blue had a 2-1 lead when the break arrived.
However, Germany actually sank deeper in the second half of the match. Failing to score an equalizer until the final period of the match, Germany was then defeated by two additional goals from Japan.
Flick’s Fate and History of DFB
The crushing defeat to Japan provided a big stain in the 123 year history of the DFB (Deutscher Fussball Bund) aka the German Football Federation. Not long after the crushing defeat to Japan, Flick was fired even though he had previously confidently declared himself to be the right coach for Germany.
Sky Sport Germany reported that in the DFB’s 123 year history, this is the first time a national team coach has been fired. As many as 10 of Flick’s predecessors in the German national team coaching chair, from Otto Nerz to Joachim Loew, all left voluntarily.
“The committee agreed that the German national team needs to be refreshed after recent disappointing results,” said DFB President Bernd Neuendorf. Germany’s report card during Flick’s tenure was far from satisfactory. The Panzer team has only achieved 12 wins in 25 matches since August 2021. Flick’s Germany also failed to win in the last five matches.
A score of four defeats plus one draw in that period is clearly not the best way for Germany to welcome Euro 2024. For information , Germany will be hosts for the event. “Ahead of Euro 2024 next summer, we need confidence and optimism in our national team.” said Neuendorf.
The vacancy in the German national team coach’s chair will temporarily be filled by DFB Sports Director, Rudi Voeller. He will be assisted by Hannes Wolf and Sandro Wagner. They will prepare the team ahead of the test match against France, Tuesday (12/9/2023) local time.
