Page 28 - Soccer360 Issue 104

EURO 2024
Hansi Flick was sacked by Germany after several poor results
“THE FINAL STRAW FOR FLICK’S TENURE WAS HIS SIDE BEING TORN APART BY A RAMPANT JAPAN”
LEADING SCORERS
Romelu Lukaku Belgium
14 Goals
Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal 10 Goals
Kylian Mbappe France
9 Goals
Harry Kane England 8 Goals
Rasmus
Hojlund Denmark 7 Goals
Scott McTominay Scotland 7 Goals
Julian Nagelsmann will lead Germany into Euro 2024
nothing short of alarming, and frankly unheard of for Germany.
The final straw for Flick’s tenure was his side being torn apart by a rampant Japan, who won 4-1 in Wolfsburg in September to follow up their success when the two teams met at the 2022 World Cup. Incredibly, not a single manager in the history of the Germany men’s national team had ever been sacked, but that was about to change.
With concern rising at the DFB, the call was made from the top of German football to dismiss Flick, and move swiftly to save face, as the prospect of Euro 2024 emerged into view. Poor results and an inability to balance a squad made up of a superbly talented chain of young players as well as serial winners gearing up for a final showdown, cost Flick dearly. Then again, his removal was as much about PR as it was to do with football.
German football chiefs found themselves anxiously looking at the calendar and foreseeing another tournament flop, but this time it would be coupled with the added sting of taking place on home soil. However, with their options limited over a quick-fire successor, the DFB had few alternatives other than to turn to Julian Nagelsmann, the man who had earlier replaced Flick at Bayern Munich in 2021. Nagelsmann’s stock as the brightest young coach in European football has dipped somewhat in the last two years with the 36-year-old boldly sacked at the Allianz Arena in February 2023 after a run of indifferent domestic results. At the time, Bayern’s decision was a major surprise, and it seems
likely that his future lies in club football. Indeed, Nagelsman’s short-term contract with the national side does not immediately indicate a lengthy commitment from either party involved.
The DFB has tied Nagelsmann to the job until after Euro 2024, which indicates they are adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach to find out if he can deliver the success they demand. Hindsight will allow both parties some breathing space, with the DFB hoping for a win-win on their part, as Nagelsmann has
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