Football powerhouse Germany have dismissed Hansi Flick from his position as head coach following their shock 4-1 defeat against Japan in a friendly match on Saturday night. 

Flick's sacking is the first time a Germany boss has been relieved of their duties since the inception of the role in 1926. 

The former Bayern Munich head coach was relieved of his responsibilities after Sunday's training session.

With the European Championship finals scheduled to take place in Germany next summer, the German Football Association (DFB) has determined it imperative to take action at this juncture.  

Despite surviving a lackluster World Cup campaign that saw Germany eliminated in the group stage, Flick's tenure has yet to witness an upturn in fortunes, with the team failing to secure victory in their previous five matches. 

"The committee agreed that the German national team needs a fresh impetus after the recent disappointing results," DFB president Bernd Neuendorf said in a statement. 

"Going into the European Championship next summer, we need confidence and optimism in the country regarding our team. This has been one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make during my time in this role because I really respect Hansi Flick and his assistants, both on a professional and personal level. 

"Sporting success is of the utmost importance to the DFB, which is why this decision had to be made." 

Rudi Voller, the former Germany manager who held the position from 2000 to 2004, has been appointed the interim coach for Tuesday's friendly match against France.

The DFB has expressed its determination to promptly identify a permanent successor. Julian Nagelsmann stands out among the potential candidates, having recently taken over the reins at Bayern Munich following Flick's departure.

The widely acclaimed Nagelsmann has remained unemployed since his dismissal from Bayern in March. The ex-Eintracht Frankfurt coach Oliver Glasner is another prominent figure being discussed as a potential candidate.