Robin Koch made a strong start to the season with Leeds United in England: Thomas Tuchel (48) surprisingly beat Chelsea 3-0 and took third place in the Premier League. But he also plays well under the former Leipzig coach Jesse Marsch (48).
This is one of the reasons why the 26-year-old has not yet given up the fight for a place in the team of national coach Hansi Flick (57). Koch’s dream: to take part in the Winter World Cup in Qatar (November 20 to December 18, 2022). “It’s a big goal for me: I want to get back to the DFB as soon as possible, to the National team‘ he said in the ‘Kicker’ interview.
National coach Hansi Flick
Photo: JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP
The central defender has not yet been used under Flick, he played the last of his eight international matches for the DFB selection in June 2021 in a 1-1 friendly in Denmark. At the European Championships last year, Koch was in the German squad, but was not used by the then national coach Joachim Löw (62).
Löw’s successor, Flick, only nominated Koch again last March, but the ex-Freiburger had to pass because of a positive corona test. “Last season I was partially injured, then when I was nominated my Covid disease came on. That was very bitter. But it is part of it. I want to continue to step on the gas, repeat my top performance game after game and recommend myself again,” said Koch.
He called national coach Flick shortly before the season. “He said he follows our games and keeps an eye on me,” said Koch, who hopes to be called up to the DFB squad in September ahead of the World Cup. “Things can always go very quickly in all directions in football. Of course it wouldn’t be unimportant to be there now because it’s the last event before the tournament,” said Koch, looking ahead to the two Nations League games against Hungary on September 23 and in England three days later.
00:53
Even Ancelotti is in tears
Real-Star makes EVERYONE cry
Source: Reuters / Real Madrid TV
