EM-Out of the U21
Low point instead of EM euphoria: German football on the ground
Germany coach Antonio Di Salvo wipes his forehead as he stands on the sidelines. photo
© Sebastian Kahnert/dpa
The early end of the European Championship for the German U21s also reveals a quality problem – and increases concerns about the home European Championship. The senior national team and U21 must deliver by September at the latest.
Almost a year before the start of the European Championship at home, German football is closest bottom reached. The miserable and early EM-Aus of the recently so successful U21 lacks almost everything: passion, enthusiasm and quality.
With a view to the equally worrying state of the senior national team, doubts are growing. “We’re fed up,” chanted the fans after the U21s lost 2-0 to England, while Joti Chatzialexiou, sporting director for national teams at the DFB, admitted: “We still have a lot of work to do to catch up with the world’s best definitely to be missed.”
What’s next for the two most important German men’s national teams?
After the senior national team, the youth selection has now said goodbye to the summer break with a huge disappointment. Coach Antonio Di Salvo announced a relentless review of the tournament. The next international matches for both teams are scheduled for September. “Hansi Flick knows that we are now challenged in the games in September,” said DFB sports director Rudi Völler, referring to the national coach. “The time for experiments is over, now it’s time for the EM year.”
Are personal consequences an issue?
Not for now. During his visit to the U21 European Championship, where he had to witness two sobering defeats by the defending champion, Völler once again clearly placed himself behind Flick and Di Salvo. “I know that Hansi Flick can do it,” said the 63-year-old. The contracts of Di Salvo and his assistant coach Hermann Gerland were only extended until 2025 shortly before the European Championship. “There won’t be a coaching discussion because we expressed our confidence in Toni before the tournament,” said Chatzialexiou. However, if the September international matches of the senior national team do not bring any improvement and results, Völler should also be forced to act. “Hansi knows we have to deliver,” he said.
Was the U21’s early exit from the European Championship a slip?
Looking at the statistics, it looks like this. Under Di Salvo’s predecessor Stefan Kuntz, the team has recently had success after success, reached the European Championship final three times in a row and won the title in 2017 and 2021. However, experts and those responsible have been warning for a long time that German talents can no longer keep up with the world’s best in an international comparison. “The limits were clearly shown to us today,” said Di Salvo. A look at history alone should be warning enough. Between 2000 and 2007, the Under-21s only qualified for two out of a possible five finals. There it was over in the group phase.
Which players are eligible for the home championship?
Nobody from the U21 squad recommended themselves for the senior national team. Youssoufa Moukoko first disappointed and then missed out injured, Kevin Schade and Josha Vagnoman played a decent tournament at best. Injured missing U21 players like Felix Nmecha could also become an issue for Flick again. Völler also counted the players after the failures of the A-Team. “It can certainly also affect one or the other established player. There will also be some coming back who were missing recently,” said the sports director at Sat.1 with a view to the next squad.
How should anticipation arise before the EM?
At least last year, Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s women’s national team caused more euphoria. The selection could regain sympathy with a successful World Cup this summer – or ensure that the men’s teams are seen even more critically. For the senior national team and the U21s there is only hope for better performances – and for passionate and thrilling performances.