Julian Nagelsmann has assumed the role of head coach for the German national football team, taking over from Hansi Flick, who was relieved of his duties.
Nagelsmann’s primary task is to reinvigorate the ailing national team in preparation for Euro 2024, a challenge he faces within a tight nine-month timeframe, considering that Germany will be hosting the tournament.
Hansi Flick’s dismissal came on the heels of ongoing struggles within Germany’s national team, prompting concerns within the German Football Association (DFB) regarding their performance in the upcoming European championships, particularly given their status as tournament hosts.
Julian Nagelsmann, formerly the manager of Bayern Munich, has signed a contract that extends until the conclusion of Euro 2024, allowing for the possibility of stepping down after the tournament if needed. Expressing his enthusiasm for the task ahead, Nagelsmann remarked, “We have a European Championship in our own country—that’s something special.”
Flick, who became the first coach in Germany’s history to be dismissed, managed to secure just four victories out of 17 matches during his tenure, culminating in the national team’s disappointing early exit from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
DFB President Bernd Neuendorf praised Nagelsmann as “an outstanding coach” and expressed confidence that he would not only reignite the enthusiasm of fans but also lead the team to success at Euro 2024.
Flick’s departure followed a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Japan in a friendly match held in Wolfsburg in early September.
Julian Nagelsmann, who succeeded Flick as Bayern Munich’s coach, had been without a position since his departure from the German champions in March. Rudi Voeller, DFB’s sporting director, lauded Nagelsmann as “an absolute football expert” who had demonstrated exceptional coaching prowess at a remarkably young age.
Nagelsmann’s coaching staff will include Benjamin Glueck and Sandro Wagner as assistants.
Having achieved remarkable results at Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig, Nagelsmann was considered a rising star in football coaching. Over the summer, his name was linked with top managerial positions, including those at English clubs Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Paris Saint-Germain.
While Rudi Voeller briefly took charge for Germany’s 2-1 victory over France in Dortmund, he emphasized that his primary role was to identify a permanent successor.
Nagelsmann sees the win against France as the first step in the team’s journey towards Euro 2024. Germany’s next engagement involves a tour to the United States in October, featuring friendly matches against the USA and Mexico.
