Fernando Carro Calls for Structural Reform After Germany's Latest World Cup Failure

Posted : 15 July 2026

Bayer Leverkusen chief executive Fernando Carro believes Germany's recent World Cup disappointments reflect long-standing structural and cultural shortcomings rather than problems that can be solved by changing the national team coach alone. His comments came after Germany's shock exit in the last 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following group-stage eliminations in both 2018 and 2022.

Carro argued that German football requires significant investment in youth development, with closer cooperation between schools and sporting institutions to produce the next generation of elite players. He also stressed that modern training facilities and football infrastructure are essential if Germany hopes to regain its place among the world's leading football nations.

The Spaniard, who has overseen Bayer Leverkusen's transformation into Bundesliga champions since taking charge in 2018, pointed to bureaucracy as a major obstacle to progress. He revealed that the club has spent years trying to secure approval for a new training centre, even after scaling back its original plans, describing the delays as an example of broader administrative challenges facing Germany.

Carro believes Germany can learn valuable lessons from neighboring football powers such as Spain, France and England, all of whom reached the latter stages of the 2026 World Cup. He credited their success to sustained investment in academies, coaching, player development and modern facilities, combined with a culture that promotes ambition, resilience and collective responsibility.

Germany are expected to appoint former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp following Julian Nagelsmann's departure, but Carro warned that even one of the world's top coaches cannot transform the national team without broader reforms. He said lasting success depends on creating the right environment through strong youth systems, world-class infrastructure and a clear football philosophy.

While expressing admiration for Klopp's achievements, Carro insisted that Germany's problems extend well beyond the dugout. In his view, meaningful change will only come through long-term planning and a willingness to modernize the country's football structures, ensuring future generations are better equipped to compete at the highest level.

Fernando Carro Calls for Structural Reform After Germany's Latest World Cup Failure

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