A phenomenal 2-1 victory over France rounded off what has been a truly difficult international break for the German national team. The dismissal of Hansi Flick after Die Mannschaft’s 4-1 defeat to Japan left Rudi Völler in temporary charge as the DFB continue to search for a successor.
While Julian Nagelsmann may currently be the front runner for the job, Völler would inspire Germany to victory after a five game winless run. Thomas Müller would open the scoring before Leroy Sané all but won the game with three minutes remaining – despite a late Antoine Griezmann strike causing doubt.
Nevertheless, after the game, Müller would reflect on what has been a tumultuous time for the national side: “First of all, I would like to thank Hansi and his coaching team. It really wasn’t easy for us to endure this negative series, for which we ourselves are also responsible. Saying goodbye during the week was a crazy situation and now the last three days.”
“But at the same time I also have to compliment Rudi, Hannes Wolf and Sandro Wagner on how they approached the whole thing in the short term. In the end, we implemented it well on the pitch today, were hard-working and then rewarded ourselves at the right moments. That’s what makes it fun when you win against France.”
For Müller and the rest of the national squad, while the departure of Flick may feel like a failure on their part, it would have undoubtedly felt good to get back to winning ways. Especially with Euro 2024 less than a year away.
There will be high expectations on the German national side going into the tournament on home soil, and the pressure will be on straight away for whoever takes charge. Regardless, Müller would finish by explaining that there is still work to be done before the European Championships begin: “We still have a long way to go, it was a small emotional release.”
GGFN | Will Shopland
