Germany sack manager Hansi Flick

Hansi Flick has been sacked as Germany manager following the team’s 4-1 friendly defeat at home to Japan.

His assistants Marcus Sorg and Danny Rohl have also left their roles.

DFB president Bernd Neuendorf said in a statement: “The committees agreed that the men’s senior national team needs a new impetus after the recent disappointing results… with a view to the European Championship in their own country, a spirit of optimism and confidence.”

Germany do not need to qualify for the Euros but have shown no sign of improvement following last year’s shock World Cup exit, and with German fans quickly running out of patience with their poor form, the DFB thought it was time to act.

Germany are three-time European champions.

The DFB’s sports director Rudi Voller will be in charge of their friendly against 2022 World Cup finalists France on Tuesday with a successor for Flick to be named soon.

“The most urgent thing is then to bring in a national team coach who at short notice can redirect and prepare our team for the big Euro tournament next year,” said Voller, who was national team coach from 2000-2004.

“We expect from them, as does the whole country, positive impulses. A coach who can lift our level to where we know and expect it to be.”