Fernando Carro, the CEO of Bayer Leverkusen, has attributed Germany's recent World Cup disappointments to deep-rooted structural, political, and cultural issues within German society. The four-time World Cup champions faced an unexpected exit from the tournament in June, falling to Paraguay in the round of 32, following earlier group stage eliminations in both the 2018 and 2022 competitions.
Since taking the helm at Leverkusen in 2018, Carro has played a pivotal role in the club's success, leading them to their first Bundesliga title in 2024 and securing the German Cup in the same season. However, he expressed concern over the current state of German football, noting a decline in the number of players reaching elite levels. "Germany still has outstanding individual players, but we surely need to look closely at where we are now – it seems like there are fewer players coming through to the top level," the 61-year-old executive stated in an interview with AFP.
Investment in Youth Development Needed
Carro emphasized the necessity for increased investment in youth development, advocating for better integration between educational institutions and sports programs. He pointed out that modern infrastructure is crucial for fostering talent, yet projects aimed at improving these facilities are often hindered by bureaucratic delays and protracted decision-making processes. "We are still struggling with approvals despite identifying a suitable site for a new training center," he lamented, highlighting the challenges faced by Leverkusen in this regard.
He further elaborated that the issues extend beyond mere infrastructure, touching on cultural aspects as well. Carro compared Germany's situation to that of other successful football nations, such as Spain, France, and England, which have thrived due to their "enormous ambition, resilience, and collective strength." He noted that these countries have consistently invested in modern facilities, academies, and coaching, which has contributed to their success on the international stage.
Future of German Football
Looking ahead, Germany is expected to appoint Jurgen Klopp as the new national team coach following Julian Nagelsmann's resignation. While Carro acknowledged Klopp's impressive track record, he cautioned that one individual cannot rectify the systemic issues plaguing German football. "The conditions around him are at least as important: a strong and modern youth development concept, state-of-the-art infrastructure, clear performance principles, and a willingness to change," he concluded, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach to revitalizing the sport in Germany.
