Flick sacked by Germany after Japan humiliation

Germany have sacked manager Hansi Flick after the team's 4-1 humiliation at the hands of Japan.

Die Mannschaft went into Saturday's international friendly at Wolfsburg's Volkswagen Arena on the back of two consecutive defeats and were comprehensively beaten by the Samurai Blue.

The shock loss was the final straw for those in power, with 58-year-old Flick winning just 12 of his 25 games in charge after being handed the job in May 2021.

DFB president Bernd Neuendorf confirmed the departure in an official statement, which read: "The committees agreed that the men's senior national team needs new impetus after the recent disappointing results. 

"We need facing the [2024] European Championship in a spirit of optimism and confidence in our own country. For me personally, it is one of the most difficult decisions of my time in office so far. 

"Because I appreciate Hansi Flick and his assistant coaches as football experts and people. But sporting success is the top priority for the DFB. So the decision was inevitable."

Team director Rudi Voller, Sandro Wagner and Hannes Wolf will take interim charge of the Euro 2024 hosts for Tuesday's friendly against France at Borussia Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park.

Ex-Bayern Munich boss Flick struggled to make his mark on the international scene after winning seven trophies in just two years in Bavaria, overseeing a disastrous 2022 World Cup campaign.

Germany suffered a 2-1 defeat to Saturday night's tormentors Japan in their opening group stage match in Qatar and were knocked out after drawing 1-1 with Spain.

The DFB are aiming to hire a new manager as soon as possible, with Die Mannschaft scheduled to play two friendlies against the United States and Mexico during the October international break.