Germany World Cup flops 'accused Flick of bias towards his old Bayern players'

Germany's World Cup squad split into two camps after Hansi Flick was accused of showing favouritism towards Bayern Munich players in Qatar, according to reports.

Despite beating Costa Rica 4-2 in their final match of the World Cup, the 2014 champions crashed out at the group stage for a second successive tournament, casting serious doubt over Flick's future.

It is understood from reports in Germany that the national team split into two camps at the tournament as a result of Flick's alleged partiality towards Bayern Munich players.

Flick, who managed the reigning Bundesliga champions between 2019 and 2021, angered a handful of players including Ilkay Gundogan, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Kai Havertz as a result, according to Sport Bild.

The outlet has revealed that problems arose ahead of Germany's 2-1 defeat by Japan in their opening match of the tournament.

After FIFA warned teams not to sport the One Love armband, discussions occurred in the Germany camp on the eve of the match, as Bayern stars Manuel Neuer and Leon Goretzka insisted a gesture of protest must be done.

It is believed several players did not want to take part in any political statements, even though the entire squad stood with their hands over the mouths ahead of kick-off.

During the match, many players in Flick's squad could not understand why the manager brought on Goretzka for goalscorer Gundogan midway through the second-half, which ultimately led to a loss of control and possession in midfield.

The Manchester City star was reportedly furious as Flick's decision was labelled a 'harmony substitution' by the non-Bayern Munich players, who felt he only carried out the change to keep Goretzka happy.

Sport Bild also claims that Barcelona goalkeeper Ter Stegen and Chelsea forward Havertz were left frustrated by the regularity at which they were being left on the bench.

Ter Stegen, in particular, is angry that his performances at the Nou Camp have not been recognised by Flick, who continues to back 36-year-old Bayern stopper Neuer.

In addition, Niklas Sule, who put in a below-par defensive display against Japan in the 2-1 defeat, was handed another opportunity as Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck became the scapegoat, losing his place in the following match versus Spain.

Meanwhile, SC Freiburg centre-half Matthias Ginter, who chalked up 47 international caps before travelling to Qatar, only featured in one cameo appearance late on against Costa Rica.

The divided camp adds extra pressure on Flick, whose job is at risk following Germany's dismal World Cup performance.

Former sporting director Oliver Bierhoff has already stepped down from his role with the national team, quitting on Monday in the wake of their exit from Qatar.

Despite insisting he would not walk away from Germany, Flick admitted Bierhoff's loss will be 'difficult' to replace.

He said: 'My coaching team and I are finding it difficult at the moment to imagine how the gap created by Oliver's departure can be closed professionally and personally.

'For me personally, Oliver was my first contact and friend within the team. Our common goal was the EM 2024 project in Germany.'

Bierhoff's exit could trigger a domino effect in German football, with Flick's future as head coach now understood to be hanging by a thread.