Effenberg urges German national team: Cape Verde as a role model
Former German international Stefan Effenberg, 58, sharply criticised the current German national team in the programme “Doppelpass” on Sunday. He called for a stronger commitment under the new head coach Jürgen Klopp and named the small African side Cape Verde as a surprising role model.
Effenberg: Former captain and TV expert
Stefan Effenberg was captain of FC Bayern Munich for many years and shaped the team as a leader on the pitch. After his playing career he became a sought‑after expert on German television. His experience as a former international now feeds into his analysis. He is known for clear language and direct criticism.
Effenberg stresses that the German side must show quality again, as he observed it in the “football dwarf” Cape Verde. He praises the African team for giving everything for the country, the jersey and the colours despite limited resources. “They have invested everything, not of the highest quality, but with full commitment,” he said. Therefore he regards Cape Verde as a surprising role model.
Criticism of the German national team
Under Jürgen Klopp the German national team has so far only achieved mixed results: a 1‑1 draw against the Netherlands, a 0‑1 home defeat to Greece and a 2‑0 win over Serbia. These were the first three internationals under the new head coach. Effenberg sees a clear lack of effort in the performances. He calls for a stronger commitment that meets fans’ expectations.
“We thought that with the quality we have we could outwit the opponents – no,” said the 58‑year‑old former captain. He responded to the lack of willingness with sharp criticism. He warns that fans will be disappointed, angry and end up in debates. “We are angry, we are discussing,” he added.
The former captain makes future success dependent on this attitude. “If we can show that again and build on it, we are already on the right track,” Effenberg explained. He stresses that the displayed commitment is the foundation for further progress. Without this mindset the team cannot be successful in the long term.
Cape Verde was mocked before the World Cup started, but then surprised the critics: a 0‑0 draw against the eventual champions Spain and a narrow 2‑3 win in the penalty shoot‑out against Argentina in the round of 16, with Lionel Messi in the star lineup. The side showed that will and effort count more than pure quality. Effenberg highlighted that the team “had the will” and that decided the match.
Effenberg stresses that it is not only about training, but about understanding what one must invest. Whoever fights, accepts duels and “really goes broken off the pitch” will at least be praised by the coach for giving the maximum. “You have at least given everything,” is the message the coach conveys. With this, the team should emulate the example of Cape Verde.