After the surprising exit in the group stage of the Women’s World Cup, national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg has spoken out about her future.

Martina Voss-Tecklenburg wants to continue her work as national soccer coach after the World Cup debacle. “The easy thing is, when things get difficult in life, to run away. I’ve never run away when things got difficult. So I still have the firm will to take the next steps in German women’s soccer together with everyone involved,” the 55-year-old said at the final press conference two days after the historic first-round exit in Australia: “I’ll stay persistent and strong.”

DFB President Bernd Neuendorf has repeatedly expressed confidence in Voss-Tecklenburg (contract until 2025) since the momentous 1:1 against South Korea. “After all, I am very sure that she can turn the corner again with the team,” Neuendorf said Friday at a DFB meeting in Hanau.

Cracks between team and coaching staff? “Have not experienced anything like this”

The national coach countered a media report about alleged cracks between the team and the coaching staff as well as communication problems: “We talk to the players, we haven’t experienced that here during the tournament. I have full confidence in the honesty of the players.”

Joti Chatzialexiou, sporting director of national teams at the German Football Association, also said after consulting with the team council the day before: “Nothing like this was communicated to us.”

The DFB manager announced a “comprehensive analysis” of the tournament in the next two to three weeks after the team returned home on Sunday. Already in seven weeks, the Olympic qualification via the new Nations League will move into the sporting focus. “It is important to look forward again after the analysis and show that we can make up for this disgrace,” said Chatzialexiou.