Germany enter Wednesday’s friendly against the Czech Republic followed by the final Nations League group games against Ukraine and in Spain with just one win from five games this year, the other four being draws.

That has led to criticism on coach Joachim Loew but German Football Federation (DFB) director Bierhoff, in a long monologue at a video news conference, was not happy about the tone of the debate and asked for more respect.

“We are in a prominent position and earn a lot of money. But they are humans. There is a cloud over the team that is fighting, that is working,” Bierhoff said.

The former striker said that players are frustrated about the latest results, but that they “stand up and don’t take the easy route.

“The players have earned our trust and they will pay back,” calling for that “what will be achieved and not what will not be achieved” should be the focus.

Bierhoff acknowledged that victories are needed to end the year marred by the coronavirus pandemic on a high ahead of next year’s European championships. Germany can also still win their Nations League group to reach the finals in 2021.

“It’s only about results on the pitch. We have to perform there, we have to be ready there,” said Bierhoff, calling for successes at the end of the year.