Since Germany's World Cup triumph back in 2014, the nation has not been able to replicate any success and have in fact dipped in form year after year, leading to internal issues.
Germany lost their recent match to Japan 4-1 in a humiliating defeat (Image Credit: Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)
No trophies since 2014
The Germans won the 2014 World Cup, which was held in Brazil. The 2014 World Cup winners managed to defeat Argentina in extra time to win their fourth World Cup.
However, since then, the German National Team has been unable to add any further trophies to their cabinet to this present day. They would lose to France in the semi-finals of the 2016 Euros, losing 2-0.
The 2018 World Cup would see Germany exit in embarrassing fashion. They would lose to South Korea in the final group stage game, resulting in a group stage exit after two late goals from South Korea.
Euro 2020 would see Germany crash out of the tournament to rivals England after a 2-0 loss to the Three Lions. After the tournament, longstanding German manager Joachim Low resigned from his position, which he announced before the tournament had begun.
Low would be replaced by Hansi Flick, who had experienced success with Bayern Munich, winning the 2020 Champions League. However, Flick would experience a poor 2022 World Cup with Germany in Qatar, being knocked out of the tournament by another Asian team in Japan 2-1.
Flick first ever German manager to be fired
Germany has always had a strong team, delivering performances to be considered as one of the top nations. Therefore, since the role had been created in 1926, no manager had been sacked.
However, things would change as Flick would be fired from the German National Team after a humiliating 4-1 loss to Japan in an international friendly.
Germany are yet to hire another manager after firing Flick. Former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick has put himself not available for the job as he looks to continue with the Austrian National Team and prepare them as best as possible for Euro 2024.
Former Germany striker Rudi Voller will be put as interim manager until a permanent replacement has been found for Flick. He will take temporary charge of Germany's friendly fixture against France on Tuesday.
Flick had been Low's assistant manager during 2006 up until 2014. He had won his first eight games in charge but then has since not had the German team performing to its potential.
German FA president Bernd Neuendorf said: "The committee agreed that the German national team needs a fresh impetus after the recent disappointing results.
"Going into the European Championship next summer, we need confidence and optimism in the country regarding our team.
"This has been one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make during my time in this role because I really respect Hansi Flick and his assistants, both on a professional and personal level."
Flick was fired after their humiliating 4-1 loss to Japan (Image Credit: Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)
What has gone wrong for Germany?
An obvious position that Germany has lacked in since the 2014 World Cup has been the striker position. The Germans had Miroslav Klose, who holds the record for scoring the most goals in the World Cup with 16. The German striker managed to achieve this during four World Cups, ranging from 2002 to 2014.
Since 2014, Germany has struggled to have an established striker with the Germans starting Kai Havertz as their number nine for their 4-1 loss to Japan, which lead to Flick's sacking.
The Germans also were not short of natural leaders on the pitch with players like Mats Hummels, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Toni Kroos and Manuel Neuer. However, these players have now retired - Neuer hasn't officially but his recent injury may lead to his retirement decision.
Germany has lost some keys players over the past years and have not replaced them with enough quality, leading to a massive drop in performance. The players they have now have good qualities, but struggle to play as a team to become a dominant team like they used to be.
Germany will be hoping to fix their issues before they host the Euro 2024 tournament, which would be the ideal tournament to bounce back in. Do you think Germany can bounce back at their home tournament?
Nathan Hartley
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