As a reaction to the renewed poor performance of the German national soccer team at the World Cup in Qatar, the DFB is introducing an advisory committee. This should give impetus “to how we can make future tournaments – especially the European Championship 2024 in our own country – successful again”. Now the work is in progress.
During the first meeting, the advisory group of the German Football Association spoke “intensively” about the sporting future of the national team. “In connection with the successor to Oliver Bierhoff, it was initially about profiles, competencies and responsibilities,” DFB President Bernd Neuendorf was quoted as saying. “Specific personnel proposals have not yet been discussed. We have agreed to continue the debate on the necessary course setting in January.”
In the working group convened after the ignominious World Cup preliminary round, Neuendorf, DFL supervisory board chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke, Oliver Kahn, Oliver Mintzlaff, Matthias Sammer and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who was connected via video, advise. Rummenigge had previously announced: “We want to exchange views, set an agenda and then work through the things that are expected of the task force. This is primarily a contribution that we turn the screws so that we are successful again. It’s important a solidarity between the Bundesliga and the national team – and the DFB. We have to stand together loyally for the good of German football. It’s no longer the time for selfishness.” The first meeting lasted two and a half hours, the DFB said. Photos from the meeting room were posted on the association’s website.
“After the disappointing performance at the World Cup in Qatar, we talked intensively about ways and possibilities of how we can make future tournaments – especially the European Championship 2024 in our own country – successful again,” said Neuendorf. As a consequence of the World Cup, the former managing director Bierhoff left the association, national coach Hansi Flick should fulfill his contract, which runs until after the EM 2024. A second working group deals with more internal structural issues.