“Just a new coach isn’t enough”
Berti Vogts calls for a complete restructuring of the DFB
September 12, 2023, 4:52 a.m
The search for Flick’s successor for the German national team is in full swing. Former national coach Vogts also puts his preferences on the table, but he also makes it very clear: the change of coach alone will not solve the problems.
Former national coach Berti Vogts sees an acute need for reform and action at the German Football Association, even beyond the search for national coaches. “Something had to happen urgently, it couldn’t continue like this. But many things are going in the wrong direction at the DFB. A new national coach alone won’t be enough,” said the 76-year-old to the “Rheinische Post”. The DFB relieved national coach Hansi Flick of his duties on Sunday after the 4-1 defeat against Japan. The search for a successor is ongoing.
Vogts, who looked after the national team from 1990 to 1998 and won the European Championship title with them in 1996, spoke out in favor of an experienced coach. Vogts classified a possible commitment from ex-Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann, who is considered the favorite, as “risky”. “We need an experienced man as a national coach who can inspire the players and people,” he said.
“Include Ballack, Schweinsteiger and Lahm”
Specifically, the former national player named Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp and the former national coach and current South Korea coach Jürgen Klinsmann. “They both have the fire and charisma to revive our football,” said Vogts. The former national coach also called for the involvement of former national players: “Michael Ballack, Bastian Schweinsteiger or Philipp Lahm could certainly make a difference.”
Vogts sees the 2024 European Championship at home as a great opportunity for German football. “This is an important tournament for us, this is the opportunity to make amends for a lot of what has gone wrong in recent years,” he said. “We have to do everything we can to ensure that the tournament shows people in the country how beautiful football is.” The DFB selection is called upon to face France on Tuesday (9 p.m./ARD) under interim team boss Rudi Völler, who will be on the sidelines together with Hannes Wolf and Sandro Wagner.