Ex-coach Vogts voices concern over German team ahead of Euros

Former national team coach Berti Vogts has voiced concern about the state of the team and the domestic federation DFB in the countdown to Germany's hosting of Euro 2024, reported dpa.

Vogts told Wednesday's Rheinische Post paper that others are favourites at the June 14-July tournament as he lamented the current situation.

"The whole state of the national team and the DFB worries me," the 77-year-old Vogts said.

"There have always been difficult phases, but I can't remember our national team being spoken about so badly. But the DFB has only itself to blame."

Vogts coached Germany to their third and so far last continental title in 1996, and said that "I would be happy if the wait has an end, the wait has been much too long."

But the current team has won only three of its 11 games in 2023, went out in the group stage of the last two World Cups, and in the round of 16 at the last Euros in 2021.

Vogts left it open whether he considers Julian Nagelsmann, appointed in September, as the right coach.

"It's not just about preparing the team for the tournament - a home European Championship is a hugely prestigious event. The DFB's decision in favour of Nagelsmann will be measured in the months leading up to the European Championship," he said.

But Vogts spoke highly of another ex-coach, Rudi Völler, who is now national team sporting director.

"Rudi Völler must play an important role with regard to the Euros. He has the necessary experience and knows how important it is to have and pursue clear goals," said Vogts.