Germany's Euro 2024 Nightmare: Coach Flick Under Fire as Team's Decline Fuels Uncertainty

Germany coach Hansi Flick commenced his tenure in 2021 with an impressive streak of eight consecutive victories, accompanied by a commitment to rejuvenating the four-time world champions and guiding them towards success. However, their recent defeat of 2-0 against Colombia in a friendly match serves as a significant setback, occurring less than a year prior to their hosting of Euro 2024.

Flick expressed his disappointment in not being able to execute their game plan as they suffered their first defeat to the visitors, resulting in boos from the crowd. This adds to the mounting pressure Flick is facing following their early World Cup elimination.

"There are things that we wanted to try but they backfired."

Image:

Germany suffered a 2-0 home loss to Colombia

Germany, with less than a year remaining to establish a battle-tested team for the upcoming continental tournament, managed to salvage a 3-3 draw against Ukraine last week thanks to two late goals. However, their performance took a downturn on Friday as they suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Poland. The team's display against Colombia in Gelsenkirchen was even more lackluster, with Flick's players lacking the necessary urgency in their gameplay and failing to make an impact in the attacking third.

"We must acknowledge the current lack of support for our arguments. It is imperative that we thoroughly analyze the situation and learn from it," Flick expressed following a streak of three winless games.

"This is a recurring pattern that we must overcome. As we approach September, our performance must undergo a transformation. We anticipate a distinct team dynamic, which will undoubtedly yield positive outcomes."

"We are convinced we have a good team and good players."

Image:

It's Germany's latest setback less than a year before they host Euro 2024

Several German media conducted online polls on Wednesday, questioning whether he is the suitable candidate for the position.

"A year before the Euro it looks like the coach and his team have lost all orientation," Kicker football magazine wrote in a comment.

Image:

Poland players celebrate their victory over Germany

"The situation is undeniably dire," expressed midfielder Leon Goretzka. "It is challenging to articulate the extent of our struggles. Overall, there is a glaring absence of everything we need. It eerily resembles the hardships we faced towards the end of the season at Bayern. Currently, every aspect seems to be working against us. Nevertheless, we shall persist. Our only recourse is to battle our way out of this predicament as complaining will yield no assistance at this juncture."

When Flick took over two years ago Germany had just suffered a last-16 exit at the Euro in 2021 following their first World Cup first stage exit in more than 80 years in 2018.

Image:

There is club uncertainty for forward Kai Havertz

Despite Flick's impressive track record, including a six-trophy run with Bayern Munich in 2020 and his successful stint as assistant coach under Joachim Low, culminating in the 2014 World Cup victory in Brazil, he finds himself in a precarious position. Despite his assurances that the team will undergo significant changes in their upcoming international matches in September, the pressure is mounting.

"We will see a different team," Flick vowed. "We will stabilise the team and we will fine-tune it.

"We are positive for September because we are convinced we have a good team and good players."

Germany host Japan on September 9 before entertaining France three days later. They then travel to North America to face the United States on October 14.

Image:

The four-time world champions have won just one of their last five matches

German supporters are growing increasingly impatient as they have not witnessed any significant signs of improvement in recent months, despite Flick notifying Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller of their expected call-up for the upcoming games in September. Both captains have their sights firmly set on the European Championship of the following year.

"Flick's announcement that things 'will be different in September' now only sounds like a morale-boosting slogan," Kicker said.

Image:

Germany have won once since the 2022 World Cup

Germany's goalkeeper, Marc Andre ter Stegen, was kept busy by the relentless Colombian attack as they appeared much more determined to score. Meanwhile, Germany's young defender, Malick Thiaw, showcased his impressive skills in defense. Despite dominating possession with over 65%, the hosts failed to make a single shot on goal throughout the entire first half. Additionally, they faced difficulties in advancing the ball out of their own half.

The one-year countdown for the Euros has started as has the countdown for Flick to start delivering by September.

Image:

Flick remains convinced Germany have a good team

BILD criticized the head coach with a headline that read: "He believes he has superior knowledge. It is completely bewildering what is going on in Flick's mind!"

Furthermore, a poll conducted on Wednesday posed the question, "Is Flick the suitable person to lead for Euro 2024?" As of now, he has received only 10 percent of the votes. Jurgen Klopp is the preferred choice among readers, with 48 percent support.

In the recent run of poor form, Die Mannschaft has managed to secure victories in just four out of their last 16 games, with only two clean sheets achieved against Oman and Peru. Despite facing criticism for excessive experimentation, Flick, according to BILD, seems to underestimate the gravity of the situation.

Image:

Critics have voiced their concerns about Flick's excessive experimentation. Particularly, they have highlighted his stubbornness in sticking to a back three formation, despite the continuous changes in personnel and the lack of a designated No 9 player.

"Their report on the Colombia debacle suggests that if the coach fails to take the games seriously, the fans, on the other hand, should be granted free entry," stated one line of their analysis.

Flick firmly asserted, "My concept of football aligns perfectly with the needs of this team!"

Emre Can added after the game in Gelsenkirchen: "We shouldn't question the coach."

DFB technical director Rudi Voller said ominously: "There were some, we won't see them again in September."

But does that also apply to the coach?

Analysis: Voller must act now on Flick

Image:

Rudi Voller promised to look into who is getting called up

Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg:

The German national team finds itself in a state of despair rather than embracing a spirit of hopefulness. Instead of jubilant cheers, there are disheartening whistles. The team is currently grappling with a deficiency in talent, and Hansi Flick's attempts at experimentation have proven fruitless. It is imperative for the technical director, Rudi Voller, to intervene and address this dire situation.

The sports director has emphasized three times in his recent media appearances that there is no room for coaching discussion. However, it is evident from the team's performance that this streak of disappointing results must come to an end. It is now imperative for Voller to take action.

The truth lies on the field, as always. The team has experienced three consecutive failed tournaments and has suffered three losses in their last four friendly matches. There is a distinct lack of accomplishment in the past two weeks. Furthermore, the questionable personnel decisions made against Colombia, such as starting Robin Gosens but leaving Niclas Fullkrug, the difference-maker, on the bench once again.

Image:

Julian Nagelsmann is now free after rejecting an offer from Tottenham Hotspur. The team has faced criticism from not only the national players but also from tournament director Philipp Lahm, who openly agrees with the public's concern. As a result, the German Football Association (DFB) is urged to address these issues and take appropriate action.

The opportunity for Flick to rectify the situation slipped away. Tuesday evening at Schalke was meant to instill the much-needed sense of optimism demanded by Flick ahead of the upcoming home European Championship, scheduled for next year. Unfortunately, instead of receiving support, the German national team was met with jeers from their own fans. A disgruntled spectator even displayed a sign that read: 'Flick out.'

"If he cannot show the DFB a 100-per-cent way out of the misery, then the paths must part immediately or Flick must resign.

"Julian Nagelsmann is available."