The German national team did not have a good World Cup this summer. Their run ended in the round of 32 in the match against Paraguay. That didn’t exactly spark much enthusiasm, and Julian Nagelsmann was fired after the tournament. Now Bayern chairman Uli Hoeneß is renewing his criticism.
In hindsight, the criticism of the DFB team was also very clear. Many experts were also surprised by the privileges enjoyed by the players’ families. The general consensus was that this wasn’t the typical tournament situation where focus could be maintained at all times.
Uli Hoeneß, the honorary president of FC Bayern, had also voiced criticism after the tournament. He has now reiterated that criticism.
Hoeneß on the DFB team: “This can’t be right”
At the SportBILD Awards ceremony in Hamburg—where Hoeneß himself was honored for his lifetime achievements—the Bayern boss once again spoke out.
When asked about the German national team and this year’s World Cup, he spoke in very clear terms. “Well, we all know that the German team went on a company outing in America. And that can’t happen again. They have to be ready to work their butts off,” said Hoeneß.
He continued: “It’s unacceptable for this to turn into a family outing with wives and kids. I don’t think that would happen under Jürgen Klopp. And that’s why I believe Jürgen will restore discipline.” Klopp will make his first mark in September, when Germany faces the Netherlands, among other opponents, in the Nations League.
Looking ahead, Hoeneß hopes to see changes and revolutions in German soccer’s youth development as well. “I used to play soccer on the street after school until my mom came to get us off the field after dark. That just doesn’t happen anymore. And we live in a country where most people are doing very well. That’s where I see the greatest danger for our soccer, too,” said Hoeneß.
