BERLIN, Sept 15 (Reuters) - Andreas Rettig, a long-time sports director at Bundesliga clubs, took over as the German Football Association's (DFB) executive director on Friday, succeeding Oliver Bierhoff, who resigned after their shock first round World Cup exit last year. Four-time world champions Germany, who will host Euro 2024 next year, have been going through their worst run in decades. Bierhoff had resigned in December, days after Germany's second consecutive World Cup group stage exit. "(The national teams) are shaped by great successes and currently problems. Germany sacked Flick following their 4-1 home loss to Japan last week, with former national team coach and current DFB official Rudi Voeller taking over for the game against France.

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Persons: Andreas Rettig, Oliver Bierhoff, Hansi Flick, Bierhoff, Rettig, Flick, Rudi Voeller, Karolos, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Bundesliga, German Football, Germany, France, DFB, German Football League, Thomson Locations: Japan, United States