Germany ´depressed´ by Sweden draw

20 October 2012 15:45

Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff has revealed every member of the squad was left 'depressed' by the recent 4-4 draw against Sweden.

Joachim Loew's men appeared to be cruising to victory with 30 minutes remaining, but a late rally from the Swedes helped them recover from a four-goal deficit.

The Euro 2012 semi-finalists were criticised in the aftermath of the World Cup qualifier and their team manager has spoken about the effect the result had on the squad.

"We were all affected and depressed because we played like champions in the first 60 minutes," Bierhoff told Die Welt.

"(Immediately after the game) everyone was busy with themselves, shook up.

"Everyone needed to collect themselves and on those evenings, you notice the team slowly opens up and things are discussed."

The former AC Milan forward insisted no squad or staff member was blamed for the draw, but conceded all involved should evaluate the mistakes made.

"We're all in this together. But it is important that everyone looks at what we could have done differently in the coming days," he said.

Germany will continue their World Cup qualification campaign when they travel to Kazakhstan in March.