MY ACCOUNT
Former Germany international Dietmar Hamann has called for Hansi Flick to be replaced as the team’s head coach after overseeing a “pathetic” group-stage exit from the World Cup.
A late double from substitute Kai Havertz helped Germany beat Costa Rica 4-2 in their final Group E game on Thursday, but Japan stunned Spain with a 2-1 win at the Khalifa International Stadium to send the four-time winners home.
Germany have now suffered group-stage eliminations from consecutive World Cups, having avoided falling at the first hurdle on each of their last 16 appearances at the tournament before 2018.
The coaches of some eliminated sides – such as Mexico’s Tata Martino and Belgium’s Roberto Martinez – have already announced their departures, and Hamann thinks Flick should do the same.
Speaking to Sky Sports in Germany, a furious Hamann said: “I think it’s impossible that we can continue with the coach.
“After this debacle, we only have 18 months until the European Championships at home, that was pathetic.
“Costa Rica had one shot on target in the first two games and we made them look like Brazil. In the team, everyone does what they want. I see no reason why Flick should remain as coach.
“When I hear some comments from those responsible [with other teams], I have to say that responsibility looks different. Excuses, excuses, excuses. It’s time for a cut.”
Germany have failed to keep a single clean sheet in their last 12 games at World Cups or European Championships, their longest ever such sequence.
The last side to fail to score against Germany in a major tournament match was Slovakia, who were beaten 3-0 by Joachim Low’s side in the round of 16 at Euro 2016.
