Bierhoff doesn't miss his role at the DFB: "I'm fine"
According to Oliver Bierhoff, he has long since overcome his departure as director of the German Football Association (DFB). "I'm fine," said the 55-year-old in an interview with "Welt am Sonntag": "After 35 years of being controlled by soccer, I enjoyed the freedom."
Bierhoff, who now works as a consultant for the American football team New England Patriots, is nevertheless a little disappointed with how his farewell went after the German national team's preliminary round exit at the World Cup in Qatar. "There were a lot of things and behavior from people that I still don't agree with today," admitted the 1996 European champion: "But I know the business and I don't take it personally."
Often a bruiser at the DFB
Even before the World Cup, he knew that he would come in for a lot of criticism. "I was always aware of my role - often as a bruiser - and ultimately took a sober view of it: I always wanted to take responsibility, shape projects and drive developments forward - then I also have to take responsibility for the overall result."
After the early knockout with the DFB team in Qatar, he not only felt anger and disappointment, but above all bewilderment, reported Bierhoff. "It's unbelievable that we weren't successful despite a certain quality."
This development has still not been halted, said the former striker. Many players would "lose themselves the moment things get difficult in a game or mistakes happen and become too preoccupied with themselves", he said: "There is also a lack of a clear leadership hierarchy here."
After his departure from the DFB, Oliver Bierhoff still follows the German national team's performances closely, often expressing his opinions as a soccer enthusiast. During the World Cup in Qatar, Bierhoff, who served as the DFB's director, was disappointed with the team's preliminary round exit and certain behaviors from team members.
Despite his new role as a consultant for the New England Patriots, Bierhoff continues to have strong feelings for the German national team, as he once represented the DFB as a member of the successful 1996 European championship team, led by Oliver Bierhoff.
Source: www.dpa.com
