Hansi Flick sacked by Germany after 4-1 defeat to Japan

Germany have announced the sacking of head coach Hansi Flick following their embarrassing 4-1 defeat to Japan.

Die Mannschaft were beaten by Japan for the second time in last 12 months on Saturday evening, having missed out on qualification to the FIFA World Cup knockout rounds thanks to a 2-1 defeat in Qatar back in November.

Since then, the German national team have endured a torrid run of results in the lead up to hosting Euro 2024 next summer. The defeat on Saturday evening was a fourth in their last five games, with the team being without a win since March - losing to Colombia, Poland and Belgium as well.

The loss to Japan proved to be the final straw for Germany, as they announced the dismissal of Flick in a statement released on the DFB website.

It reads: "Shareholders' meeting and supervisory board DFB GmbH and Co. KG today at the suggestion of DFB president Bernd Neuendorf decided to relieve national coach Hansi Flick as well as two assistant coaches Marcus Sorg and Danny Rohl from their duties with immediate effect."

Speaking about the decision, Neuendorf also said: "The committees agreed that the men's senior national team needs new impetus after the recent disappointing results.

"We need to face the European Championships with a spirit of optimism and confidence in our own country. For me personally, it is one of the most difficult decisions of my time in office so far. Because I appreciate Hansi Flick and his assistant coaches as football experts and people. But sporting success is the top priority for the DFB, so the decision was inevitable."

Germany have confirmed Rudi Voller and Sandro Wagner will take charge of the national team for the friendly clash with France in Dortmund on Tuesday evening.

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