Flick sacked by Germany nine months before home Euros

Germany have sacked manager Hansi Flick just nine months before the start of their home European Championships next summer.

The former Bayern Munich boss saw his side suffer an embarrassing 4-1 friednyl defeat at home to Japan on Saturday.

Germany have lost four times in their last five games which comes on the back of a group-stage exit at last year's World Cup.

German Football Association president Bernd Neuendorf said: "The men's senior national teamneeds new impetus after the recent disappointing results. We need a spirit of optimism and confidence in our own country.

"For me personally, it is one of the most difficult decisions of my time in office so far because I appreciate Hansi Flick and his assistant coaches as football experts and people. But sporting success is the top priority for the DFB. So the decision was inevitable."