The German women’s football team secured the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, marking the end of coach Horst Hrubesch’s tenure. With his departure, significant changes may lie ahead for the team.
Hrubesch’s last chapter with the German women’s national team
The final chapter of Horst Hrubesch’s career with the German women’s national football team has come to a close. Last Friday, during the hard-fought bronze medal match at the Paris Olympics 2024, the 73-year-old head coach took to the sidelines for the last time.
The team’s journey from a humiliating group-stage exit at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand a year ago to Olympic success signals that the crisis may be behind them. After qualifying for the 2025 European Championship in Switzerland, Hrubesch’s squad defeated World Cup fourth-placers Australia and Olympic champions Canada, and put up a strong fight against powerhouse USA.
The team’s pinnacle came in the bronze medal match against reigning World Champions Spain, where a 1-0 victory secured the coveted medal. A poignant scene unfolded after the final whistle, with captain Alexandra Popp, Kathrin Hendrich, and Marina Hegering lying on the ground together in tears, later embraced by Hrubesch. The image was symbolic, not just of Hrubesch’s departure, but also of the uncertain future for the trio, all of whom are over 30 and may be nearing the end of their national team careers.
A new era under Christian Wück: Challenges ahead
Hrubesch, who took over from Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, rejuvenated the team by benching established players like Lina Magull and Sara Däbritz, giving young talents a chance, and instilling a new sense of mentality and team spirit. Ann-Katrin Berger, the new number one goalkeeper, recently praised Hrubesch, saying, “It’s incredibly sad that he’s already getting a bit older. We are immensely grateful for what he has done for women’s football.”
Hrubesch himself grew emotional in his farewell: “I gave the girls what I could, and they gave me what they could. It worked, and that’s the beautiful part in the end.” Christian Wück, the coach of the U17 European and World Championship-winning teams, will take over. While the team has laid the groundwork for future success, including the already-secured European Championship qualification, challenges remain.
The team still shows weaknesses, particularly in finding consistency in their build-up play and establishing offensive rhythms. Popp acknowledged after the summer games that the team “may not have played the most beautiful football, but our aggressiveness and mentality thankfully brought us to bronze.”
Wück’s immediate challenge will be to assess which players he can still rely on.
Veteran players and looming uncertainties
Popp, Hegering, and Hendrich, who were seen crying on the pitch after the win against Spain, are not the only veterans facing uncertain futures. Goalkeeper Berger and Sara Doorsoun are also over 30. While there are offensive alternatives like Vivien Endemann, the team lacks top-level defensive options. Hrubesch identified and brought in Bibiane Schulze Solano from Athletic Bilbao, but the 25-year-old has shown signs of uncertainty recently.
Wück does not have much time to adjust, as the European Championship in Switzerland is just 11 months away. DFB Sports Director Nia Künzer acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “We must continue to improve to consistently compete with the top nations.” She added, “That is our goal – and it starts next summer.”
Wück begins his tenure with a clear mandate and a significant test against European champions England at Wembley on October 25. DFB President Bernd Neuendorf expressed confidence, saying, “I believe he has a good foundation. I am sure he is also a great coach who will further develop the team.”
Despite stepping down, Hrubesch will not entirely step away from the DFB team, which has become a “matter of the heart” for him. He plans to follow the team in an advisory role, stating, “The contact will remain.” Hrubesch will return to his role as head of the youth academy at Hamburger SV and has already planned his summer vacation for 2025: “I’m coming to Switzerland.”
