German goalkeeping legend Oliver Kahn has sharply criticized the national team following their exit from the 2026 World Cup, asserting that the crisis facing "Die Mannschaft" goes beyond the identity of the coach, after a series of consecutive failures in major tournaments.
Kahn stated: "Three coaches have failed in the same period: Joachim Löw, Hansi Flick, and Julian Nagelsmann. If three coaches fail in the same place, it means the problem runs deeper than just the coach."
He also expressed his astonishment at what he witnessed during the penalty shootout against Paraguay, adding: "What struck me most was seeing Joshua Kimmich looking for volunteers to take the penalties. Big teams do not look for volunteers in such moments."
Kahn's remarks reflect the growing concern within Germany regarding the future of the national team, as "Die Mannschaft" continues its disappointing run since winning the World Cup in 2014, amid increasing calls for a comprehensive review of the German football system, rather than merely blaming the coaching staff.
