Germany's football decline blamed on systemic failures

Germany's footballing woes extend beyond the pitch, according to Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro. He argues that deep-seated structural, bureaucratic, and cultural problems are hindering the development of the sport in the four-time World Cup champion nation.

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Germany still has excellent individual players, but we need to look closely at the current situation because fewer and fewer players are reaching the highest level.

Carro, who led Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title and German Cup in the 2023-2024 season, stated that the national team's repeated disappointments, including early exits from the 2018, 2022, and June World Cups, reflect a flawed development system. He stressed the necessity for comprehensive change, including increased investment in young talent and contemporary facilities.

"We need to look closely at the current situation because fewer and fewer players are reaching the highest level," Carro said. He emphasized the need for greater investment in youth development and better coordination between schools and sports. "Modern infrastructure is also crucial, but too many projects are stalled due to bureaucracy and overly long decision-making processes."

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There needs to be greater investment in youth development, including better coordination between schools and sports.

The Spanish executive, 61, noted that the issues are not solely about physical facilities. Leverkusen itself waited nearly a decade for approval to build a new training center, even after scaling down the project. "We are still struggling to get approval even though a suitable site has been identified. That's just one example of the bigger challenges faced in Germany," he explained.

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Modern infrastructure is also crucial, but too many projects are stalled due to bureaucracy and overly long decision-making processes.

Carro cited Spain, England, and France as models of success, attributing their achievements to sustained investment in academies, coach development, and modern training facilities, coupled with a culture that prioritizes high ambition, resilience, and collective strength.

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We are still struggling to get approval even though a suitable site has been identified. That's just one example of the bigger challenges faced in Germany.