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Trainer Löw, manager Bierhoff
Photo: Anke Waelischmiller / Sven Simon
The German national soccer team was once the selection of the best players in the country, nothing more and nothing less.
Under Oliver Bierhoff, the manager of the national team, it has become a brand, a sales item.
He named it "The Team".
Just as Volkswagen marketed its products as “Das Auto”.
Classics trimmed by stylists in the advertising industry.
The national team entertainment product achieved fantastic sales figures right after winning the World Cup six years ago.
With Joachim Löw, a spiritual brother of Bierhoff sat on the dugout.
More Nivea Man than one for everyone.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, CEO of FC Bayern Munich, recently called this a "change in values".
Comradeship or fair play have become less important at the DFB, it is commerce that counts.
And the national team is the association's cash cow, it ensures high salaries, lavish bonuses, the training of talent, grants for social projects.
There is absolutely nothing to be said against that.
As long as the quality of the product is right.
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