By Christian Falk, Tobias Altschäffl, Heiko Niedderer, Yvonne Gabriel, Yannik Hüber and Dennis Brosda
“Back to the top of the world” was national team director Oliver Bierhoff (54) as the main goal. Instead, at the 2022 World Cup, as before at the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 European Championship, it was said far too early: “Back home!”
After three tournament embarrassments in a row, Bierhoff is threatened with the national team!
Before the return flight from Doha, DFB President Bernd Neuendorf (61) made it clear in a statement: Bierhoff must report.
Next week there will be a crisis summit together with national coach Hansi Flick (57). Interesting: Hans-Joachim Watzke (63/DFL supervisory board chairman) is also invited to the meeting.
According to BILD information, there is internal discussion at the DFB that Watzke should play a major role in national team issues in the future. During the World Cup, DFB stars are said to have asked Watzke to be included in the binding Zoff to help.
Neuendorf: “Our timetable stipulates that we will get together in the coming week. This will be a first meeting where we will discuss how the situation is playing out.”
The involvement of Watzke would be at the expense of Bierhoff (DFB contract until 2024).
Will Bierhoff’s influence be limited?
A crisis scenario was already being discussed in the DFB leadership after the 1-2 start against Japan, reports BILD. New national coach Flick cannot be held responsible for the gradual decline of the German national team. Unlike national team director Bierhoff.
Bierhoff’s influence could be limited to his second area of activity as director and managing director of the academy.
Bierhoff had ruled out a resignation immediately after the World Cup. He could soon be asked to make a partial withdrawal.