In the debate about the controversial term “The Team” for the German football selection, DFB Director Oliver Bierhoff has shown himself open to a critical discussion.
In an interview with the news magazine Der Spiegel published on June 3, Bierhoff indicated that he would also accept a waiver of the term should the leadership of the German Football Association decide to do so.
The 1996 European champion pointed out that the majority of fans would have a positive attitude towards the label, “especially young football fans”, as market research had shown.
“But if the presidium of the DFB decides differently despite factual arguments, I can live with that,” stressed Bierhoff.
“The team” polarized
“The term ‘The Team’ is polarizing, I know that. But there must be factual reasons to abolish it, not just emotional ones,” explained the 54-year-old. You have analyzed the term and will do it again. “If there are good arguments against it, we won’t ignore them,” said Bierhoff.
Borussia Dortmund’s managing director Hans-Joachim Watzke had spoken out in favor of abolishing the designation. “This term is too aloof for me,” Watzke told the “Spiegel” in January. Watzke is Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the German Football League and is therefore also a member of the DFB Executive Committee.
Record international player Lothar Matthäus also advocated abolition. The 61-year-old told “Bild” that “The Team” normally stands for a unit.
“Germany was recently neither on the field with the disappointing tournament appearances, nor in the association. New paths are now being taken at all levels. That’s why it would be good to invent a new name, to bring in freshness.”