Boateng Blasts Germany’s Performance After Worst Start to Euro Qualifiers
Just three months after lifting the World Cup in Brazil, Germany find themselves in unfamiliar territory — under intense scrutiny and pressure in the Euro 2016 qualifiers. A shock 2-0 defeat to Poland followed by a frustrating 1-1 draw with Ireland has left Joachim Löw’s side with just four points from three matches — their worst ever start to a European Championship qualifying campaign.
Speaking after the latest setback, defender Jérôme Boateng voiced his frustration, directing his criticism at the team’s newer players and the overall lack of urgency within the squad.
“We need to wake up,” said the Bayern Munich centre-back in quotes reported by L’Équipe. “Some of the new arrivals must understand the dangerous position we’ve put ourselves in. Of course, we are a young team, but many of our players have Champions League experience. This kind of disappointment is unacceptable. We have no excuses.”
Germany were held in Gelsenkirchen by a resilient Irish side, with John O’Shea grabbing a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser after Toni Kroos had given the hosts the lead. The result compounded the frustrations already building after the defeat to Poland in Warsaw — Germany’s first loss to their eastern neighbours in history.
Boateng’s criticism reflects growing concern about the team’s defensive fragility and lack of clinical edge, issues that have surfaced since key players like Philipp Lahm, Miroslav Klose, and Per Mertesacker retired following the World Cup triumph.
“We must not do just anything. It is unworthy of a world champion,” Boateng added, underscoring the level of expectation surrounding the reigning champions.
Joachim Löw, who signed a contract extension after the World Cup, has stood by his process of integrating new players into the squad, but these recent results suggest a longer transitional period than many anticipated. Germany still have time to recover in Group D, but the early stumbles have placed added pressure on the side to deliver in upcoming fixtures.
The message from Boateng is clear: being world champions is not a shield from criticism — it’s a standard to be upheld. And right now, that standard is slipping.
