Germany team director Oliver Bierhoff has become the first casualty of the team’s first-round World Cup exit in Qatar, agreeing to step down two years before his contract expires, the DFB announced on Tuesday.
Former Germany international Bierhoff, who had been team director for the previous 18 years, was widely chastised following their second consecutive early World Cup exit.
“Oliver Bierhoff has won a lot of merits for the DFB. Even if the last few tournaments lagged behind the sporting goals that had been set, he will be associated with big moments,”
DFB President Bernd Neuendorf said in a statement.
Bierhoff played a role in Germany’s fourth World Cup victory in 2014, and Neuendorf said his efforts would not be forgotten.
“He will always be linked with the World Cup success in Brazil. Even in turbulent times he always followed goals and visions,”
Neuendorf added.
A search for a replacement will now begin. Hans-Joachim Watzke, CEO of Borussia Dortmund, is reportedly a candidate. Former Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge could also be a candidate if he is interested.
Notably, head coach Hansi Flick will keep his job for the time being. Most reports indicate that the ex-Bayern Munich manager will be allowed to continue at least until Euro 2024, allowing him to shape the team as he sees fit. It remains to be seen whether that decision will bear fruit, as faith in Bayern’s former sextuple champion coach has been severely shaken by this year’s debacle.
Germany exited the Qatar tournament after losing to Japan, drawing with Spain, and defeating Costa Rica in the final Group E match. From that group, La Roja and Japan advanced.
The Germans had also exited the 2018 World Cup at the same stage, their earliest exit in 80 years. Last year, they also failed to advance past the round of 16 at Euro 2020.
