Oliver Bierhoff calls for patience as Germany rebuild

Germany must be patient as their talented young players help rebuild the national team, according to general manager Oliver Bierhoff.

With Bayern Munich trio Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels and Thomas Muller no longer set to be considered for international duty, the focus is very much on Die Mannschaft’s future.

Hertha Berlin defender Niklas Stark, RB Leipzig’s Lukas Klostermann and Werder Bremen midfielder Maximilian Eggestein have all been promoted from the under-21 squad for the friendly against Serbia and opening Euro 2020 qualifier against Holland.

Head coach Joachim Low was set to join up with the squad in Wolfsburg on Monday evening as he continues to recover from a dental operation, with assistant Marcus Sorg having taken the first scheduled training session.

Bierhoff is confident the next generation can put Germany back on a path towards competing with the best following the shock World Cup exit and relegation from the Nations League top tier.

“We’re entering a new chapter. It’s crucial that we start it with a spring in our step and a smile on our face, and that everyone gives their all,” Bierhoff said at a press conference on Monday reported on www.dfb.de.

“I think we’re starting with a very solid foundation of talented players at our disposal. We need to make the most of that in the coming years.

“We want to continue the path we have taken after the World Cup with a greater closeness to the fans and the positive image of the team, that will succeed with the young players.

“We want to convey the fun of football with them, so that is why we want and have to work hard.”

Bierhoff, though, warned against expecting instant success as the rebuilding process begins.

“We are a young team with great potential players, but like all young players, they will also make mistakes. That’s why I hope the fans have some patience,” said Bierhoff, whose golden goal won Germany the Euro 96 final against the Czech Republic at Wembley.

“Other nations like Holland or France also needed time. We have so much quality and potential – it’s a new start, a new chapter is opened.

“Therefore, it is important that we approach with a lot of enthusiasm, joy and commitment to the cause. We want to go back to the top of the world.”

Bayern Munich winger Serge Gnabry, meanwhile, has been given an extra day before his planned arrival after suffering from illness which saw him miss the 6-0 Bundesliga win over Mainz.