Oliver Bierhoff leaves the DFB. After 18 years of great success and recently several bitter disappointments, the DFB director is drawing the conclusions from the recent World Cup debacle. Former companions are surprised and sad.
Per Mertesacker (ex-national player): “I’m sorry, but that’s probably the mechanisms after three tournaments that we weren’t that happy with. But he did a lot more than many probably think. He was someone who was always trying has to integrate all the players, to help to be there. He has pushed a lot, also with the new academy. I find it very sad.”
Christoph Kramer (ex-national player): “I hope that he was able to decide for himself what is right for him. Personally, I have a lot to thank Bierhoff for. I think he’s a really great person who took me to the national team made me a world champion.”
Hans-Joachim Watzke (DFB Vice-President): “In the 18 years of his work, Oliver Bierhoff has rendered considerable services to German football. Respect, recognition and thanks.”
Ex-national player Tabea Kemme: “We are rather surprised by the speed in such an administrative area. But we also found that we still have a lot of homework to do until 2024. Accordingly, quick action is required. That was one quick action.”
Martina Voss-Tecklenburg (women’s national coach): “I’m very surprised because I thought you’d go into the objective analysis now and give yourself time until Wednesday. I’ve been able to have close contact with Oliver Bierhoff for the last few years. He was with us, took up our topics and conveyed them. I’m a bit speechless.”
Bernd Neuendorf (DFB President): “Oliver Bierhoff has rendered great services to the DFB. Even if the last tournaments fell short of the sporting goals, he stands for great moments. His work will always be linked to the World Cup success in Brazil remain. Even in turbulent times, he always pursued his goals and visions and left a lasting mark on the DFB. On behalf of the DFB employees, I would like to thank Oliver Bierhoff for everything he has done for us and for football in Germany.”
Former Economics Minister Peter Altmaier tweeted: “German football owes a lot to Oliver Bierhoff. He kept things together in a dutiful and unpretentious manner. The others were in the spotlight. His straightforward example should also be a role model for others.”