Debate over the future of Germany’s national team has intensified after former internationals Didi Hamann and Mario Basler called for senior players to be removed from the squad. The pair have singled out captain Joshua Kimmich and several teammates following another disappointing tournament exit, citing the team’s poor record at major competitions.
Calls for wholesale changes
Hamann believes Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Leroy Sané should end their international careers. Speaking to Abendzeitung, he questioned whether retaining these players would alter Germany’s fortunes given recent history. The nation has failed to advance beyond the quarterfinals in the past five major tournaments and has not reached the round of 16 at the last three World Cups.
Hamann asked why results would improve in two years if the same personnel remained.
Basler went further during an appearance on Sport1, demanding what he termed a “real clean-up” of the DFB setup. He identified Kimmich, Sané, Antonio Rüdiger and Pascal Groß as players who should no longer represent the country. Basler suggested Kimmich lacks the pace required at international level, arguing that the midfielder will only become slower as he ages. He also warned that Bayern Munich face difficulties if they continue deploying the player in the number six position.
Basler argued that Germany requires “young, hungry players” rather than experienced individuals he described as “washed-up”.
Matthäus defends captain
However, Lothar Matthäus has offered robust support for Kimmich. Writing in his column for Sky Germany, the former captain argued that Kimmich should remain a key figure and retain the armband under the new coaching regime. Matthäus acknowledged the Bayern Munich player struggled at the recent World Cup but insisted he remains influential when deployed in the correct position.
Matthäus also highlighted defenders Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck as players capable of becoming new faces of the national team. He emphasised that Kimmich must operate where he can exert greater influence on matches.
Tournament struggles continue
The criticism follows another early exit for Germany, extending a worrying pattern of results. The four-time world champions have consistently fallen short at major competitions, failing to progress past the last eight since their 2014 World Cup triumph. Their recent World Cup record shows three consecutive group stage eliminations.
The division among former players reflects broader uncertainty about the squad’s direction as the DFB considers its next steps. While some advocate for an immediate youth revolution, others argue that experienced heads like Kimmich remain essential to any rebuilding process.