Flick switch jolts Germany into action

DORTMUND, Germany — Despite responding to the dismissal of coach Hansi Flick with a 2-1 victory over neighbor France in Dortmund on Tuesday, pressing questions remain for Euro 2024 host Germany.

Usually a bitter rivalry between two of Europe's proudest soccer nations with six World Cups and five European Championships between them, France did not bring its usual intensity to Tuesday's friendly.

Manager Didier Deschamps made six changes from its last outing, a 2-0 win over Ireland, including benching star striker Kylian Mbappe.

With France trailing 1-0 for most of the second half, Deschamps left Mbappe on the bench as his side chased the game, the manager later revealing "we didn't want to risk him in this game".

The France manager admitted his changes were made with the future in mind, including leading the line with Randal Kolo Muani who "hasn't played for a while, hasn't trained (and) isn't in top form right now".

Calling Flick's caretaker successor Rudi Voeller a "unique and rare coach", Deschamps congratulated his "old friend", telling reporters "I'm not happy we lost, but nevertheless I'm happy for him."

Immediately after the game, interim coach Voeller described the win, Germany's first since March and only the second since the disappointing group-stage exit at the Qatar World Cup, as an "emotional release".

"What I liked most was that we brought good energy onto the field", telling the post-match news conference "it's not just about the result, but the style and manner of the performance".

'Crazy situation'

Veteran forward Thomas Mueller kick-started Germany's post-Hansi Flick era, scoring early to set the host on the way to the win.

Flick's sacking on Sunday triggered Voeller's return to the dugout for the first time since 2005.

The interim coach brought Mueller back into the starting lineup and the move paid off early, Mueller scoring four minutes in.

Mueller's Bayern teammate Leroy Sane scored with three minutes remaining to double his side's lead.

Sane gave away a penalty just a minute later. France captain Antoine Griezmann converted but Germany held on for a 2-1 win — just its second victory in seven games since the Qatar World Cup.

"Our early goal was good for us," Mueller said. "We knew we'd have a lot to do. It wasn't easy for us with this bad run, and the departure of Hansi Flick at the end of the week was a crazy situation."

Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was relieved.

"It was balm for the soul. It was a curious and difficult few days, so it's all the nicer that we were able to end it with a win," he said. "That was what we needed."

Voeller said the win was "a liberation for all of us, for me, the players, and the German FA".

The 2014 World Cup winner said the win was an "emotional liberation" for his side, but added: "It was fun, but we don't need to overstate it — we still have a long way to go".

First point of call for Germany will be to find a manager, with interim boss Voeller reaffirming his commitment to step down as coach after the game.

Voeller again shut down speculation he may stay in the top job, saying after the match "ideally we'll have it done before the next international break" while revealing hiring a German speaker was a priority.

Voeller said he had spoken with Flick before the match and was full of praise for his predecessor, particularly for selecting Brighton's Pascal Gross, who made his debut in Germany colors at the age of 32.

Gross came on midway through the first half due to an injury to captain Ilkay Gundogan and Voeller said "he had a wonderful game".

"It was his (Flick's) idea and a wonderful decision to invite Pascal Gross, who many didn't know at all," added Voeller.

Germany, who qualified for Euro 2024 as host, will not play until fixtures against the USA and Mexico on October's American tour, where there will surely be a new figure in the dugout.

France manager Deschamps praised Germany's "attacking danger", saying "even in such a situation, they have the quality".

Mbappe benched

Fresh from a Euro qualifier victory over Ireland, France's fifth straight win since losing the 2022 World Cup final on penalties to Argentina, Deschamps made six changes including benching star striker Mbappe.

Deschamps' counterpart and old friend Voeller — the two won the Champions League with Marseille in 1993 — made just three changes to Flick's final lineup, including returning Mueller to the attack for the first time since Qatar.

The home fans at Borussia Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park rallied behind their embattled side.

They did not need to wait long to celebrate, Mueller rewarding Voeller's faith by opening the scoring four minutes in, chesting down a spinning Benjamin Henrichs cross and blasting in from close range.

Mueller's first Germany goal since June 2022 lifted his confidence perhaps a little too much. The Bayern forward tried a midair backheel from a Florian Wirtz cross but scuffed the ball wide.

Germany was energized and direct. Even an injury to captain Gundogan midway through the first half failed to take the wind out of the home side's sails. Gundogan was replaced by 32-year-old Gross, who impressed in his debut.

AFP