Germany will host the next edition of the UEFA European Championship. However, nine months before the tournament, there are all the reasons the German fans fear for a calamitous tournament.
By virtue of being hosts, Germany are excused from the qualifiers and have thus been playing friendly matches. While these matches are supposed to instill confidence that Germany can rise to their previous standards, the performance has been appalling.
Recently, manager Hansi Flick had to be relieved of his duties after yet another defeat, and the reorganization is on. Rudi Voeller is back on a temporary basis, and he gets in at a very tricky time.
The German legend not only has to bring back the fans’ confidence but also set a foundation for a team that can compete now and in the coming major competitions.
Going by their recent performances, it isn’t a surprise that on a quick check at the latest Euro 2024 winner betting odds on SportyTrader, Germany aren’t among the favorites to win Euro 2024.
Dismal performances
Germany have been dismal in the last four major tournaments. Entering the 2018 World Cup as defending champions, Die Mannschaft failed to get out of their group.
The same thing happened in 2022. They were also not really inspiring in Euro 2016 and Euro 2020, leaving a glaring conclusion that German football is on the decline.
The plan behind their dominant years in world football clearly needs a rethink based on the past four tournaments. All this on the back of limited timelines and pressure from the fans.
The star players from the 2014 triumph are either aging or retired, yet there doesn’t seem to be a constant supply of similar quality.
The proposition by the powers that be for Germany to nurture players for the national team seems constrained by time, as the 2024 Euro is considered the peak moment where the team would have matured. Being played at home adds to the pressure.
Next manager
The other aspect of Germany’s preparation for the 2024 Euro is who they are going to appoint as the full-time manager.
A number of top football coaches are already being considered, but given the circumstances, it will not be a stroll. Germany rarely goes for non-native coaches, and this has worked for them over the years, with the team winning four World Cup titles and three European titles.
However, the number and experience of German coaches around is limiting and, just maybe, could force the German football hierarchy to look beyond their borders.
A top name linked with the job is Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. There is a rumored eight-man shortlist for the job, with Klopp said to be the favorite. However, negotiating his release from Liverpool could prove an arduous task.
Julian Nagelsmann is the other German on this list. However, he may be eliminated based on his profile, having failed to hit the top with Bayern Munich and generally a lack of experience at this level.
Further afield, French legend Zinedine Zidane has been discussed, but the most high-profile consideration for the role has to be Louis van Gaal. It remains to be seen if Germany will break their tradition and go for the tried and tested, non-German tactician.
