Dietmar Hamann, a former player for Germany, has demanded that Hansi Flick be removed as the team’s head coach after leading them to a “pathetic” World Cup defeat in the group stages.
Germany defeated Costa Rica 4-2 on Thursday in their last Group E match thanks to a late double from Kai Havertz, but Japan shocked Spain 2-1 at the Khalifa International Stadium to send the four-time champions home.
Germany has now lost in the group stage of two World Cups in a row after avoiding elimination in the first round in each of their previous 16 tournament appearances prior to 2018.
Hamann believes Flick should follow suit with the other eliminated national teams’ coaches, including Tata Martino of Mexico and Roberto Martinez of Belgium, who have already made their exit announcements.
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Speaking to Sky Sports in Germany, Hamann said: “I think it’s impossible that we can continue with the coach.
“After this debacle, we only have 18 months until the European Championships at home, that was pathetic.
“Costa Rica had one shot on target in the first two games and we made them look like Brazil. In the team, everyone does what they want. I see no reason why Flick should remain as coach.
“When I hear some comments from those responsible [with other teams], I have to say that responsibility looks different. Excuses, excuses, excuses. It’s time for a cut.”
Germany has gone 12 games without a clean sheet in a World Cup or European Championship, which is the longest streak in history. Slovakia was the last team to go scoreless against Germany in a match in a major tournament; they were defeated 3-0 by Joachim Low’s team in the round of 16 at Euro 2016.
