German football chiefs have reportedly blamed WAGs for the country’s humiliating early exit from this year’s World Cup.
Despite boasting a squad filled with talent, Hansi Flick’s side finished in third place, having lost to Japan in their opening game.
While Germany beat Costa Rica 4-2 in their final group match, it was not enough to progress as Japan stunned Spain to go through instead.
It means the 2014 champions have now failed to reach the knockout stages for the second World Cup in a row, prompting outcry among passionate fans.
According to the German news site Bild, a crisis meeting was held soon after the team’s exit, with DFB President Bernd Neuendorf and Vice President Hans Joachim Watzke among those to attend.
It has been alleged that some players in the squad were not happy that wives and girlfriends were allowed at the team’s hotel, which created a ‘holiday feeling’ within the camp.
Members of the squad reportedly invited partners to stay with them ahead of Germany’s decisive group match against Costa Rica, much to the anger of senior management.
Flick has not officially commented on these rumours but it is believed that he does not think that having WAGs around was to blame for the side’s poor showing.
Will Hansi Flick stay on as Germany manager?
Earlier this week, technical director Oliver Bierhoff had his contract terminated, fuelling rumours that Flick might be on his way out as well.
However, despite their poor tournament, Flick is to remain Germany’s boss ahead of a European Championship on home soil in 2024.
“My coaching staff and I are optimistic about the European Championship in our own country,” said Flick.
“As a team, we can achieve a lot more than we showed in Qatar. We missed a great opportunity there. We will learn our lessons from that.”
Meanwhile, Neuendorf said: “We have full confidence in Hansi Flick that he will master this challenge together with his team.”
Germany’s World Cup history
Germany are one of the most successful teams in World Cup history, having won the tournament on four occasions.
Their first World Cup triumph came in 1954, before further victories in 1974, 1990 and 2014.
They have also won the European Championships on three occasions in 1972, 1980 and 1996.
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