Former Schalke and Stuttgart coach Huub Stevens has expressed concern for the future of the Germany team, suggesting they could suffer a similar slump to Netherlands if they do not make changes to their style.
Dutchman Stevens made the comments after his countrymen failed to qualify for Euro 2016 despite having finished third at last year's World Cup.
Germany -- who won the World Cup -- had an uneven qualifying campaign despite winning their group, and Stevens believes they need to vary the way they play.
"It's the wrong way just to think about keeping possession all the time," he told Germany's Bild newspaper.
"You also need players who can win you the ball, and I can see Germany having similar problems to Netherlands there.
"If you defend so far up the field you also need players who can cover for your, otherwise your opponents can create chances by hitting you with quick counterattacks.
#INSERT type:image caption:Huub Stevens says Germany are in danger of being hurt by counterattacking teams. END#
"Holland have a problem which goes back years because they've neglected the coaching of defending and tackling at youth level, and I can see this very same tendency in Germany."
Stevens won the UEFA Cup with Schalke in 1997 and took them close to a maiden Bundesliga title in 2001.
He also lifted two DFB-Pokal trophies with the Royal Blues, and went on to rescue Stuttgart from relegation twice.
The Dutchman, who is currently on the board at Schalke, has said his coaching days are behind him.