Germany captain Joshua Kimmich is still deeply frustrated by his nation's elimination from the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Germany were sent home much earlier than planned again after a 4-3 defeat on penalties to Paraguay on Monday.
"Right now, I just feel empty and I really don't feel like talking. But facing these situations is part of the game," Kimmich wrote on Instagram on Wednesday.
"Together, we planned to have a very successful World Cup, to represent Germany with dignity and to make a small contribution to positive change in our country. And we failed. Again. And that's killing me."
Germany at least made it through the group stage after failing to make it to the knock-outs in 2018 and 2022.
Kimmich said in his message that he was "proud" to "be the captain of this team," but still deeply disappointed with how things went down.
"We would have liked to give more back to all of you, and to ourselves as well," he said.
He also stressed that retiring from the national team is not an option for him.
"Giving up is never an option for me. But I'll definitely need more than a few days to get back on track."
Former world champions demand changes
Players who reached glory with Germany in the past have called for a fresh start for the national team.
"Things can't go on like this," 1990 World Cup champion Guido Buchwald wrote for Kicker magazine, while former team-mate Jürgen Kohler added: "Everyone and everything must be scrutinized.
"The team failed also because it lacked players who make a difference."
Another 1990 world champion, Olaf Thon, said that Germany "need a fresh start now," but that he doesn't know "if (coach) Julian Nagelsmann is the right person for that."
