German newspaper calls for Klopp's help before Euro 2024

Bild newspaper hopes that coach Jurgen Klopp will replace Hansi Flick to help Germany regain its form, aiming for the ambition of winning Euro 2024 at home.

Flick is under pressure because of Germany's poor form. After the 1-0 loss to Poland on June 17, 58-year-old coach Flick stopped experimenting with the 3-4-2-1 formation, returning to his familiar 4-3-3, and made five substitutions in the starting lineup against Peru. However, Germany had another disappointing match, losing 2-0 and being booed by fans.

Before that, Germany drew 3-3 with Ukraine in a friendly match at the Weserstadion, Bremen on June 12. In the March training camp, they beat Peru 2-0 and then lost 2-3 to Belgium. Looking further, Germany has won only three of 11 matches in the 2022-2023 season, reaching a rate of 27% - the lowest rate in the history of this team since the 1958-1959 season with 14%.

Hansi Flick leaves the Gelsenkirchen stadium after Germany lost 0-2 to Colombia in a friendly match on June 20. Photo: Reuters — Hansi Flick leaves the Gelsenkirchen stadium after Germany lost 0-2 to Colombia in a friendly match on June 20. Photo: *Reuters*

After the loss to Peru on June 20, Bild published an article criticizing Flick for having confusing thoughts and a lack of clear plans. The German daily expressed disapproval of Flick's achievements, despite the fact that he won the sextuple in his first season leading Bayern.

"Flick is doing the opposite of logic," Bild commented, pointing out that Germany have to play with a striker and a back four. "Experiment, experiment, experiment is something Germany cannot do at the moment. It's hard to believe that we can drive full speed towards Euro 2024 against a wall."

Bild believes that Flick is not up to the task of the 2022 World Cup. At the tournament in Qatar, Germany lost 1-2 to Japan, drew 1-1 with Spain, beat Costa Rica 4-2 and was eliminated from the group stage. Flick also failed to manage the dressing room, as he was accused of favoring Bayern players, causing the German squad for the 2022 World Cup to split into two factions.

After the tournament, the German Football Association (DFB) had to hold an emergency meeting to deal with the crisis. Technical Director Olivier Bierhoff had to resign, but Flick was still trusted and given the task of winning Euro 2024 - a tournament held on home soil.

Bild believes the DFB made the wrong decision to replace the head coach immediately and sees Klopp as the high-end solution. "After Germany were eliminated from the 2022 World Cup, Klopp was mentioned, but in vain," the daily continued. "At that time, Klopp felt his mission was to lead Liverpool out of the crisis. But the DFB had to fight hard to appoint Klopp. He would put Germany in a state of excitement for Euro 2024."

Klopp, with his strong and vibrant personality, is expected to bring excitement to the German team. Photo: Reuters — Klopp, with his strong and vibrant personality, is expected to bring excitement to the German team. Photo: *Reuters*

According to Bild , Oliver Glasner - who left Frankfurt at the end of last season - and Rudi Voller - the current football director of the DFB could be other alternatives to Flick.

Last year, Klopp extended his contract with Liverpool until the summer of 2026. According to British newspaper Sportmail , the DFB had to pay a large fee to break Klopp's three-year contract with the Anfield stadium owner, to appoint him to lead the team.

Hong Duy

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