Lack of development within Germany a concern to Bayern Munich’s Uli Hoeneß

Bayern Munich board member Uli Hoeneß can look at the German national team — and the DFB as a whole — and see many areas for improvement.

Some would argue that the hiring of Hansi Flick is the first step on the road to making those fixes happen, but the situation goes far deeper than just naming a new manager and figurehead. Germany needs to collaborate with its other governing organizations and clubs to create new — and better — developmental path.

“Yes, we don’t get enough from the DFB. So far, the association has not come out with any concepts in public,” said Hoeneß in an interview with Sport1. “The DFB, DFL, and the clubs have to prepare for the new situation together. The youngsters all sit in front of the computer. Bringing them back to football will be a Herculean task.”

Therein lies the rub. How does Germany bring its best athletes back to the game instead of having them sit in front of a screen?

There could be hope on the horizon. Flick is reportedly going to be spending time looking at ways to improve the youth development system and could also potentially persuade former Bayern Munich assistant coach Hermann “Tiger” Gerland to take an advisory role with the organization to help properly identify and develop youth players.

Gerland, of course, is known for his ability to work with and develop young players. Just taking over for Joachim Löw will not be enough for Flick, he seems to want to examine — and fix — all aspects of the organization’s development pathway.