At the training ground in Herzogenaurach, the lettering “The Team” still adorns an advertising board as a matter of course. But after years of heated discussions, it is becoming increasingly clear that the term should soon disappear from the environment of the DFB-Elf.
Watzke: “The term is too abstract for me”
Even Oliver Bierhoff could “deal with it”, the DFB presidium should lower the thumb, as he confirmed in the mirror. The managing director national teams and academy is considered to be the creator of the slogan introduced in 2015.
“This term is too abstract for me”said DFB Vice Hans-Joachim Watzke recently, “It’s disrespectful to all other successful teams.” The association must “become more down to earth”.
Several unsuccessful actions
He “does not depend” on the turn of events, said Bierhoff and added pointedly: “If anyone has better suggestions for what to write on the bus, they’re more than welcome to submit them.”
After the 2018 World Cup disaster, “The Team” was put to the test. Many associated the title with unsuccessful marketing campaigns such as “Best neVer rest” or “#zsmmn”. “It’s not a label,” Bierhoff counters, the DFB-Elf is often called that abroad. Similar to the “Equipe” of world champion France or “La Squadra” of European champion Italy.
Bierhoff defends term
The expression “polarized, I know that”said Bierhoff, but it had to “give objective reasons to abolish it, not just emotional ones”. Good arguments against that “grown term with incredible charisma” he doesn’t want to close himself off. But: The majority of fans see “The Team” positively, “especially young people”. standing first.” Whether with or without “national” in front of the “team”.
Source: sid