Germany boss Oliver Bierhoff urges dissatisfied fans to get behind the players
Oliver Bierhoff has called for fans to support Germany's young team.
Germany general manager Oliver Bierhoff has called for the country to get behind the players ahead of the upcoming games against the Czech Republic, Ukraine and Spain.
'Die Mannschaft' initiated a rebuilding process following their underwhelming group-stage exit at the World Cup in the summer of 2018.
More than two years later, they are still trying to find their feet, and the pressure is mounting on coach Joachim Löw and his young team.
Bierhoff understands where the frustration is coming from, but feels it's unfair to take it out on the players.
"The fact is that the national team has lost sympathy. We are no longer Germany's darling. But we can be that again, and we're not satisfied with the current situation. We know that we have disappointed our fans, but we want to work back their trust bit by bit," Bierhoff told reporters at a press conference on Monday and added:
"Since we began our rebuilding phase, our young players have shown heart and passion despite all the difficulties they have faced. They deserve our trust and will pay it back. It hurts me to see how our young players are treated. A dark cloud is gathering over the national team. To me, the issue isn't the criticism itself, but the way it's being presented.
"The national team is the most important football team in Germany. The boys need support and a positive atmosphere," said Bierhoff.