Matthäus explodes after the debacle and asks for the sacred cows to return

A day after Germany's historic 6-0 defeat to Spain in the UEFA Nations League, the former German international Lothar Matthäus has called for the return of several veteran players to the German national team.

“I have never seen such a failure!” Matthäus told Bild, insisting on the need for veterans Mats Hummels, Thomas Müller and Jérôme Boateng to return., which were ruled out by Germany coach Joachim Löw.

“These leaders are needed after a loss like this!” Said Matthäus, 59. “But I don't think Jogi Löw will change his mind about the three of them.”, he stressed. The coach had previously reiterated that the return of the three world champions was not a topic to be discussed today.

Germany suffered its biggest defeat since 1931 on Tuesday, the same day that Manuel Neuer became the goalkeeper with the most appearances for the national team. With 96 matches, he beat Sepp Maier's record (95). Spain crushed Germany with a triplet from Ferrán Torres and goals from Álvaro Morata, Rodrigo and Mikel Oyarzabal and secured a place in the 'Final Four'. Germany only needed a draw to get through, but they were completely overtaken by the Spanish team.

“This is very disappointing for all of us,” Neuer told German broadcaster ARD. “I'm part of the team and we ruined it all together. Communication failed, we should have talked more, especially after the first goal,” emphasized the doorman.

For his part, Löw was totally “dismayed”. “It's hard to explain. Everything went wrong“, he said at the press conference at the end of the match in Seville. RSpeaking of a possible return of Müller, Hummels or Boateng, the coach said again that he will be evaluated at the right time, but reiterated his confidence in the younger players. “These young people also have the ability to develop so that we have a strong and competitive team. I am absolutely convinced of this.”, settled.