The former world champion Per Mertesacker regretted the departure of Oliver Bierhoff as DFB director. “I’m sorry, but that’s probably the mechanisms after three tournaments that we weren’t so happy with,” said Mertesacker as a World Cup expert on ZDF. “But he did a lot more than many probably think.” Mertesacker emphasized how important Bierhoff was during his playing days as a national player. “He was someone who always tried to integrate all the players, to help, to be there,” said the former defender. “He pushed a lot, also with the new academy. I find it very sad.”
Christoph Kramer, also a former world champion, described the separation, which the German Football Association (DFB) announced late Monday evening, as “a shame”. He hopes “that he can decide for himself what is right for him”. The professional from Borussia Mönchengladbach revealed that he “personally owes a great deal to Bierhoff”. “I think he’s a really great person who helped make me a national team player and made me a world champion.”
The DFB Vice President and DFL Supervisory Board Chairman Hans Joachim Watzke thanked Oliver Bierhoff, whom he always viewed critically, for his many years of service. “In the 18 years of his work, Oliver Bierhoff has rendered considerable services to German football,” said the managing director of Borussia Dortmund to the sports information service (SID) on Monday evening. He deserves “respect, recognition and thanks,” said Watzke. It is said that Watzke will take on more responsibility for the national team himself in the future.
Women’s national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg did not expect Oliver Bierhoff to be separated from the German Football Association. “I’m a bit speechless now, too,” said the 54-year-old in her role as World Cup expert after the decision was announced on Monday evening. “I’m also totally surprised, because I actually thought that you should now go into an objective analysis and give yourself a little time. Not too much time, but give yourself time.”
This text will be updated as more voices become known.
