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Oliver Bierhoff (at the World Cup in Russia 2018): "I'm paving the way for new decisions"
Photo:
Roland Krivec/DeFodi.de / imago/DeFodi
"Oliver Bierhoff and the DFB agreed today to prematurely terminate his contract, which runs until 2024." With these words, the announcement by the German Football Association begins, which was published late Monday evening.
Both sides agreed to terminate the contract, which runs until 2024.
This makes it clear: Bierhoff is leaving the DFB after 18 years.
"I'm paving the way for setting new directions," he explained.
Former world champions
Christopher Kramer
and
Per Mertesacker
regretted Bierhoff's departure as DFB director.
"I'm sorry, but these are 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."
Kramer also described the separation as "a shame".
He hopes “that he can decide for himself what is right for him”.
He owes Bierhoff "an awful lot personally," said the professional from Borussia Mönchengladbach.
"I think he's a really great person who made me a national team player and made me a world champion."
Mertesacker also 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 forward, also with the new academy.
I find it very sad.«
DFB Vice-President and DFL Supervisory Board Chairman
Hans-Joachim Watzke
thanked Bierhoff for his many years of service: "In the 18 years of his work, Oliver Bierhoff has rendered considerable services to German football." He deserved "respect, recognition and thanks," said Watzke.
DFB President
Bernd Neuendorf
explained: "Even if the last tournaments fell short of the sporting goals", Bierhoff stands for "great moments".
His work will "remain forever connected to the World Cup success in Brazil".
He also had the DFB “sustainably shaped”.
The national coach of the German women's national team,
Martina Voss-Tecklenburg
, said on ZDF that she was "very surprised" by the news, "because I thought they would now go into the objective analysis and give themselves time until Wednesday".
You have had close contact with Bierhoff in recent years.
»He was with us, took up our topics and conveyed them.
I'm a bit speechless.«
The former Federal Minister of Economics
Peter Altmaier
commented on the personnel on Twitter.
"German football owes a lot to Oliver Bierhoff," he wrote there.
»Dutifully and unpretentiously he kept the shop together.
The others were in the spotlight.
His straightforward example should also serve as an example for others.«
aar/dpa/sid
