Germany stars were left in a "s*** mood" as they reunited with their partners in the wake of their chastening World Cup exit on Thursday night.
Hansi Flick's side headed into Qatar a fortnight ago as one of the pre-tournament favourites, eager to make amends for their early exit at the hands of England in last summer's delayed European Championships.
But the German's were left reeling after starting their campaign with a shock 2-1 defeat against Japan. And it was the Japanese who condemned Flick's men to yet more disappointment, with their win over Spain ensuring the Germans would exit a third consecutive major tournament early.
Unsurprisingly, Germany have come in for some heavy criticism after the matching; including from the German media. And now, the dressing room reaction to Thursday night's humiliating defeat has emerged.
German publication BILD has outlined how the national team sat in 'silence' after spending 10 minutes acknowledging fans inside the the Al Bayt Stadium.
Serge Gnabry later admitted that the dressing room was, understandably, deflated. He told media bluntly: "The mood in the cabin was s***, you can imagine that. A lot of silence and a lot of disappointment, a lot of anger. It's more anger at ourselves, we came here with a purpose and it's our own fault if we don't win the games."
Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich admitted that the defeat was the "worst day" of his career.
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Other crestfallen players pondered their international future; Thomas Muller and Ilkay Gundogan hinted that they had decisions to make while Niklas Sule dodged questions by eating an apple.
The mood was equally somber back at the luxury Zulal Resort, where players were reunited with their partners - who were left hanging around for a few hours - at around 2:45am. The team and staff held a late-night meal, but, one source described the atmosphere as 'like at a funeral.'
BILD delivered a scathing assessment of the team's performance at the tournament, labelling it a "disgrace". The publication wrote: "For the second time in a row, Germany missed the knockout round of a World Cup. The bitter record: an embarrassing defeat against Japan, a strong draw against Spain and a resounding victory against Costa Rica. It is a disgrace!"
Former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick refused to make excuses after the match but admitted he was "angry and disappointed" with the team. Already, pressure is mounting on Flick, who only replaced Joachim Low after Euro 2020 last summer.
But Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger defended his head coach after the match. When he was asked about the pressure Flick is under, the former Chelsea ace retorted: "I hope that he stays."
But former Liverpool and Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann insisted that Flick's position is already untenable. He told Sky Germany: "I think it's impossible that we can continue with the coach. After this debacle we only have 18 months until the Euros at home, that was pathetic.
"When I hear some comments from the people in charge, I have to say that has nothing to do with assuming responsibility. Excuses, excuses, excuses. It's time for a cut."
