Sané instead of Havertz in the national team? Gündogan’s wish for bankruptcy against France

The German constellation puzzle was readjusted that night. It’s not uncommon, especially after losing. The fact that the desire for a personnel change was communicated from within the team was surprising, and surprisingly bluntly on top of that.

“We have players who came in today who can help,” said Ilkay Gündogan after Germany’s unsuccessful start to the European Championship. the 0: 1 against France in Munich.

In the course of the game, national coach Joachim Löw first put Leroy Sané and Timo Werner (both 74th minute), later Kevin Volland and the nominal defensive specialist Emre Can (both 87th) into the race. Ultimately unsuccessful, neither Sané nor Werner or Volland had gate scenes; In fact, the national team only created a top-class chance through Serge Gnabry.

Havertz weak for Germany against France

Germany demanded France definitely, which was fully registered. “We were on a par with the world champions, many did not believe we could do that,” emphasized Gündogan.

Just as striking, however, was what Löw himself said in his analysis: “We lacked the impact in the last third.” Despite statistical dominance (692 to 435 passes, 62 percent possession) and committed, at least good-class performance, Germany never really gave the feeling of really shaking France.

The DFB team tried “to play a lot on the outside, that was the plan,” said Löw, but the theoretical considerations were hardly applied in practice – also because the offensive row of three around Gnabry, Thomas Müller and Kai Havertz remained dull. “We missed getting one or two more players into the opposing half and hitting better flanks,” said Gündogan.

Gündogan: “Hope that Sané gets as much time as possible”

Havertz in particular found no connection and no access, there was something lethargic about his actions. This is always the case with him, Chelsea’s Champions League final scorer, that’s how he plays and moves; but against France Havertz was more of a brake than a driver until he gave way for Sané.

In the mixed zone, Gündogan spoke out surprisingly clearly for his former colleague from Manchester City. Sané, in the previous year to FC Bayern changed and at Löw a starting eleven player until recently, he was someone “who needs rhythm, the feeling of constantly making the difference,” said Gündogan. And:

So the public can now do a few days puzzling: Sané for Havertz? Joshua Kimmich back to the center instead of Toni Kroos? Or instead of Gündogan himself? Leon Goretzka, at least back on the bench after an injury? Löw back to the back four, which would actually create another position for midfield or attack?

Sané for Havertz in the DFB starting eleven against Portugal?

What about Werner after it became more or less obvious that Germany was missing a target player in the penalty area? The fluid Havertz, Müller or Gnabry changing their positions were not on Tuesday evening. In the end, Kimmich even complained that he had not “taken the complete risk” of “opening the back”.

On Saturday is waiting against Portugal, who beat Hungary 3-0, already a small final for the DFB team. “I hope that we will play more forward and create more chances because we can too,” said Gündogan. And probably thought of Sané.