Flick and Mueller to return, German association in turmoil

Berlin, Germany |  XINHUA |  While fans are eagerly waiting for Joachim Loew to announce his Euro 2020 squad by next Wednesday, spectacular returns and major have engulfed German football.

Reports speak of the German coach having called Thomas Mueller to discuss the return of the Bayern star to the national team.

Meanwhile, team director Oliver Bierhoff seems to be not far off from announcing the successor to the departing Loew.

The former striker admitted to being in intensive talks with current Bayern coach Hansi Flick about an engagement until 2024.

Bierhoff has said he wanted a solution in advance of the delayed European Championship starting on June 11. The national team manager said he is optimistic about getting things sorted out with Flick in the near future.

The official’s days seem packed with challenges while the German association remains in turmoil after in-fighting. President Fitz Keller and general secretary Friedrich Curtius announced their departure in mid-May.

The vice presidents Rainer Koch and Peter Peters are said to follow by the beginning of 2022 after a general assembly and the new elections for the vacant posts.

An end to the dispute is said to have been one of Flick’s demands before signing a contract as the new national coach. Two of the association’s main sponsors, Adidas and Volkswagen, have demanded an end to the reputation damaging troubles, which have included several tax fraud affairs.

Reports speak of former German international and Bayern player Philipp Lahm as a possible solution as new president.

Apart from the chaos, Bierhoff and Loew are trying to create a suitable framework so that the 2014 World Cup-winning coach can enjoy a successful farewell after his 15-year tenure.

After a pre-tournament training camp in Seefeld, Austria from May 28 to June 6, the German team will move to its basse camp in Herzogenaurach in Bavaria.

To secure safe travel to its group games against world champion France, European champion Portugal, and Hungary in Munich, Bierhoff and adidas’ CEO Kasper Rorsted have set up a specially designed village of 15 “huts” and functional buildings.

“It’s our goal to create a special spirit within the team,” Bierhoff said, adding: “Everything needed is located within 30 to 40 meters.”

According to Bierhoff, the new village addresses group dynamic situations like the famous Campo Bahia in Brazil in 2014.

While reports speak of interest of clubs such as Real, Juve, and Arsenal in signing Flick, Bierhoff said to know about Fick’s desire for the German team.

Bierhoff said he could imagine soon see Loew on the bench at Real or Barca.

Mueller’s return seems a done deal after the 31-year-old striker had made its last appearance in the German shirt in November 2018, his 100th international.

Due to UEFA regulations, the coaches of the participating countries can pick 26 instead of the usual 23 players.

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