By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- The German national team has a glaring leadership problem, says former German coach Juergen Klinsmann.
"The lack of leadership is the biggest problem," the 56-year-old commented. It is the top priority for current coach Joachim Loew to address and solve, the former striker said.
"The team needs someone pointing the way after going 2-0 or 3-0 down," he added.
Klinsmann mentioned the example of Bayern's offensive midfielder Thomas Mueller as his club's driving force ahead of Joshua Kimmich.
The team hierarchy is, however, not the only cause for concern for Loew. The German is under pressure to rethink his decision of leaving out such an experienced player like Bayern's Mueller.
Eight months ahead of the European Championship, the German coach remains under fire following the disastrous 6-0 defeat against Spain.
The future of the 60-year-old seems to be hanging in the balance as reports speak of the 2014 World Cup winner having to present a convincing concept to turn things around within the next few weeks.
He seems determined to get the ship back on an even keel amidst discussions about a possible successor.
Former Leipzig coach Ralf Rangnick, Bayern's Hansi Flick, Paris manager Thomas Tuchel and Juergen Klopp are mentioned among the candidates to succeed Loew. While Flick, Klopp, and Tuchel won't be available on short notice, Rangnick could be ready to take over before the winter break.
So far, the generation change after the 2014 World Cup seems to have failed.
Former internationals such as Lothar Matthaeus, Dietmar Hamann, Michael Ballack and Mehmet Scholl speak about a quality problem within German football.
Former Bayern midfielder Scholl talks about serious shortcomings in the nurturing of young players. Instead of counting on individual development programs for various positions such as the full-backs, the youngsters have been trained in tactical systems neglecting the need for different requirements.
"The new generation hasn't developed into a winner generation always going for the biggest possible success," said Scholl.
Matthaeus and former Liverpool player Hamann speak of Loew having lost the locker room while Ballack talks about apparent problems between the coach and his squad.
German legend Franz Beckenbauer demanded faith in Loew considering the tight schedule but agreed about recalling Mueller.
Association president Fritz Keller spoke about the need to develop a well-oiled squad for the three upcoming major tournaments such as the European Championship 2021 and 2024 and the 2022 World Cup.
It seems Loew and the German association might have to consider using next year's Euro as a competitive trial for the youngsters to gain experience - without title expectations. Enditem
