5 reasons why Germany are struggling in International Football in 2018

Germany was one of the most dominant sides in International football until very recently. Not anymore it seems! Die Männschaft have lost their top billing in recent months. Though still considered a top team, they were relegated in UEFA Nations League this month.

The Germans have just three wins since the World Cup began in June this year. What has changed for the 2017 Confederation Cup winners in one calendar year? How could a young team of exciting talents fail to beat South Korea as well as the worst Netherlands team in decades?

Here is a quick overview of why Germany is struggling:

#5 Joachim Löw

There is no doubt Joachim Löw is a very good coach. But there is a feeling of fatigue and underconfidence that has set in under him and it is not very surprising.

After 12 years as head coach, it is understandable that Löw might be suffering a downturn in fortunes. Over his time since taking over a very exciting side from Jürgen Klinsmann, Löw guided his nation to the final in Euro 2008, losing to Spain and a Semi-Final appearance in Euro 2012 losing to Italy.

In World Cup 2010, Germany finished third and were unfortunate to lose to a Spain side at their peak. In 2014, he delivered Germany's fourth World Cup, including a 7-1 demolition of hosts Brazil in the semi-final.

2017 saw him lift the Confederations Cup but the wheels have come off since the final against Chile. Löw seems to lack ideas and his team have not been the same.

Though there is no pressure on him, Löw, who lacks elite coaching experience at the domestic level seems inept to innovate tactically after his favoured all-out approach developed by predecessor Klinsmann is failing to produce results.

#4 Lack of proven Goalscorer

Werner has failed to hit his domestic form in national colours

Mario Gomez and Timo Werner were the only two strikers picked in the National side for the World Cup. In 2018, their highest goalscorer is Leroy Sane who did not make the World Cup team.

Werner is 22 years old and has displayed an erratic finishing capacity. Whilst his ability is not under doubt, Werner is still learning his trade. Germany has plenty of power on the wings with Reus, Sane, Müller, Brandt and Gnabry as options but are limited up front.

On the International stage, this can prove disastrous. Germany lacks a solid 9 since Miroslav Klose's retirement. Gomez had his moments until even he retired in earlier this year. This has left very limited options.

With Sandro Wagner making himself unavailable the next best goalscorer available is Mark Uth of Schalke, who is with all due respect has yet to prove himself as an elite striker. The same can be said of Nils Petersen who while very solid has not proved good enough to seriously give Werner headaches.

Wingers getting goals is never a replacement for a striker in any successful side.

#3 Squad in Transition

Ozil retired under an air of controversy

It might be difficult to believe Germany is a squad in transition when you look at their squad. Yet, it is obvious there are many gaps that are visible in the squad. These were either filled by World-Class players or players who were better fits for the system Löw employs.

Joshua Kimmich at Right Back is evolving into a World-Class player but cannot yet employ the influence Philip Lahm had on this squad. At 23, he is yet to develop to Lahm's level.

Though Lahm retired a while ago, Kimmich has retained the spot consistently and while solid, has a long way to go. The same goes for Goretzka replacing Schweinsteiger in Central Midfield.

At Left Back, with Howedes' age catching up, he has been ignored in recent times. Replacements Plattenhardt and Hector are not yet as consistent as the former Schalke defender. Plattenhardt lacks the pace going forward and Hector is limited in his technical ability.

The last slide already covered the lack of the other German talisman Miroslav Klose, who was very instrumental with his ability to nick goals.

There are some World Class players in the wings but all of them need time to mature.

#2 Tough Group in UEFA Nations League

**A Resurgent Netherlands and France stopped the Germans**

Germany has won twice since the World Cup, both in friendlies against Peru and Russia. They even won a fantastic contest against Sweden in the second match of their disastrous campaign in Russia. Whilst results have not been great, they were drawn in a very tricky group in the UEFA Nations League 2018.

France were on a high and are arguably the best International side on paper at the moment. Netherlands came into the tournament with a point to prove under new coach Ronald Koeman. They drew against France at home and were outplayed by the resurgent Dutch who also beat France in their reverse fixture.

The Germans conceded late set-piece goals in the final game of the campaign leaving a lot to be desired but were far from embarrassed. They looked short on confidence.

#1 Confidence Issues

Domestic Struggles for many players may be proving hard to beat

The World Cup has undoubtedly left the squad short on confidence.

The confidence issues could also stem from the spine of the team which plays for Bayern München in the Bundesliga.

Manuel Neuer hasn't had his best season, while Mats Hummels, Jerome Boateng, Serge Gnabry, Thomas Müller, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Niklas Süle all play for an underperforming Bayern side and it might be surprising to see that reflecting on their National team performance as well.

Hector is playing in the 2. Bundesliga with Köln and Thilo Kehrer's Schalke have struggled to get going as well. Clearly, the core of the team has been suffering so far and it is no surprise to see them bleed on the International stage as well.

It may all change for Germany soon but for now, they have to face up to their worst year in International football for decades.