Hansi Flick said Germany only had themselves to blame after they crashed out in the group stages of the World Cup.
The four-time world champions were already facing a scramble to keep their tournament hopes alive following defeat to Japan and a draw against Spain.
And despite recording a 4-2 victory over Costa Rica, with Chelsea‘s Kai Havertz scoring twice, Japan’s 2-1 comeback win against Spain sealed their fate.
Hansi Flick has insisted that Germany only have themselves to blame for their World Cup exit
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At half-time – and with Spain 1-0 up following Alvaro Morata’s strike – Germany were on course for a last-16 tie against Morocco.
But that dramatically changed within minutes of the restart when Ritsu Doan and Ao Tanaka fired Japan to victory as they topped Group E.
But manager Flick said: ‘I don’t care about other teams because it is all up to us. If you look at the matches and the number of goals, it is our fault.
‘I am convinced we had possibilities and chances in the (last) match against Spain to win, but you have to take those chances and score and then it would have been a different situation for us.
Germany crashed out at the group stages again despite beating Costa Rica 4-2 on Thursday
‘There are so many reasons (for Germany’s exit), but I am not looking to find excuses. We did not have a lot of time to train, but it is not down to that. We fulfilled our duty today and went off the pitch with a victory, but the result could have been better.’
Flick has only been Germany head coach for 18 months following his appointment after their last-16 defeat to England at last summer’s European Championship.
But in the wake of Germany’s group-stage departure – their second in as many World Cups – questions will be asked about his suitability for the role.
Japan caused another upset and beat Spain 2-1 to knock the four-time world champions out
Questioned over his future, Flick replied: ‘Honestly, we have just been eliminated, but if you know me and know my team, you know that we can get up quickly and recover from that. That is very important and very decisive for the future.
‘In light of the 2024 European Championship, it is difficult to talk about that right after an elimination.
‘Now we need to assess our work here at the World Cup, head into a different direction, and this is the next step that we are going to undertake and we will do that very soon.’
Source : DailyMail
