Kramer and Mertesacker regret Bierhoff-Aus: "Did more than many probably think"

Created: 07/12/2022 07:56

By: Momir Takac

Oliver Bierhoff has resigned as DFB director.

While Per Mertesacker and Christoph Kramer regret his departure, the national coach is surprised.

Frankfurt am Main – Germany's disastrous World Cup in Qatar has its first victim: the DFB and director Oliver Bierhoff have terminated their contract prematurely.

Actually, this would have been valid until 2024.

DFB President Bernd Neuendorf had actually announced an analysis with Bierhoff, national coach Hansi Flick and DFL supervisory board chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke this week.

The first personal consequence therefore comes surprisingly quickly.

After Bierhoff-Aus: Mertesacker praises the work of the former DFB director

Also for Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, as reported by tz.de.

The women's national coach had not expected the separation from Bierhoff.

"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.

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"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.”

Bierhoff's end for Per Mertesacker was less surprising.

The world champion of 2014 rather regretted the resignation.

"I'm sorry, but these are probably the mechanisms after three tournaments that we weren't so happy with," said the 2022 World Cup expert on ZDF, while protecting Bierhoff at the same time: "But he did a lot more than many probably do think."

Christoph Kramer (left) and Per Mertesacker are also working as experts for ZDF at the World Cup.

© IMAGO/Ulrich Hufnagel

Kramer on Bierhoff: I “personally owe an awful lot to him”

According to Mertesacker, Bierhoff did valuable work - especially during his time 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.”

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Christoph Kramer, who is well received by the spectators as a World Cup expert, also regretted Bierhoff's departure.

"It's a shame," said Kramer on ZDF, who "personally owes a lot" to Bierhoff.

"I think he's a really great person who helped make me a national team player and made me a world champion."

He hopes "that he can decide for himself what is right for him." Kramer also defended the DFB against criticism from FIFA adviser Arsene Wenger.