sport news Germany sporting director Oliver Bierhoff resigns post with immediate effect ... trends now Germany sporting director Oliver Bierhoff resigns post with immediate effect, saying that he takes 'responsibility' following his country's early World Cup exit By Samuel Draper For Mailonline Published: 22:10 GMT, 5 December 2022 | Updated: 22:21 GMT, 5 December 2022 Viewcomments Oliver Bierhoff has resigned as head of the DFB, leaving the German football federation after their early exit from the 2022 World Cup. Germany crashed out at the group stages for the second men's World Cup in succession, losing to Japan, and falling behind Spain on goal difference despite winning their last group match against Costa Rica. On Monday, it was confirmed that Bierhoff had left his role at the DFB, which included his roles with the national team and the German academy. The former national team striker had been working for the German FA since 2004, and oversaw their World Cup win in 2014, and victory in the Confederations Cup three years later. Oliver Bierhoff has agreed to terminate his contract with DFB, the German football federation In a personal statement, Bierhoff, 54, said: 'I’ve told German FA president Bernd Neuendorf of my decision today. I’m clearing the path for setting a new course.' He went on to add: 'My work was founded upon the conviction of doing my best for the German FA and the national teams. But that only makes the results of the men’s national team at the World Cups in Russia and Qatar more painful. That’s why I’m not leaving without the necessary self-criticism. 'We didn’t manage to repeat previous successes and to give supporters reason to cheer in the last four years. Some decisions we had been convinced of turned out wrong. No one regrets that more than me. I take responsibility for that.' Bierhoff said he must take 'responsibility' after Germany's second group stage exit in a row Germany manager Hansi Flick has also seen his role come under question after their exit from the World Cup. Their tournament began with their surprising 2-1 defeat to Japan, before coming back to draw with Spain, and then defeating Costa Rica 4-2. They went out on goal difference to Spain, owing to their much heavier win over the CONCACAF side earlier in the competition. Germany must undergo a process of rebuilding trust in their national side, ahead of hosting duties for Euro 2024. More to follow... Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility