SPORT BILD: Mr. Schweinsteiger, in three weeks the World Cup begins for Germany with the game against Japan. Can you play national coach for us and outline your top eleven with which you would start the tournament?
Bastian Schweinsteiger (38): I’ll start with the players I’m sure about. Manuel Neuer in goal, of course. The central defense: Toni Rüdiger and Nico Schlotterbeck. Kimmich and Goretzka on six and eight. Musiala of the tens. In addition, in attack Sané, Müller and – in top form – Marco Reus. Behind them are Havertz and Gnabry as the first alternatives. Havertz in the center, Serge Gnabry on the outside. It gets more complicated with the full-backs: Jonas Hofmann or Niklas Süle is on the right back – but only if he’s in good shape. I would let Christian Günter play at left back. He has size, power and harmonizes perfectly with Schlotterbeck in Freiburg. Or David Raum.
Can Thomas Müller play the center forward as he did at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil?
If Musiala should not play and Thomas Müller is set up on the ten, Havertz could act as a striker before that. The good thing is: With four Bayern players on offense, the national team is very well attuned, behind them Kimmich and Goretzka, that’s a huge block. And the formation of blocks has often led to titles in the end.
Can it even be a question of whether Jamal Musiala is in the starting eleven?
no Jamal Musiala must play! He will be the key player for us. He has skills like no other player in the German national team. He can score goals, play games and – what I like the most – he is a great defender at the back. I was able to watch that live during the international match in Amsterdam against the Netherlands (1:1; ed.). Musiala did it fantastically, conquering balls as an eighth. If Germany brings the first 60 minutes from the game against Holland to Qatar, then we can go a long way.
Can Musiala become a crowd pleaser like you were?
I really like him because he exudes joy in playing. He turns his head as he runs, knows where his teammates are. He runs free again immediately and is in the game every second. He is an incredible player who will continue to develop.
You preferred Schlotterbeck to Süle in your World Cup four-back. Why?
Nico Schlotterbeck is a very good left-footer who reminds me a bit of Holger Badstuber. Holger had a fantastic opening game. Schlotterbeck defends very well in the game, but recently he had some difficulties with opposing corners. I like how he positions himself in the game against the ball: In his head he is always one step ahead. In addition, he digs in, is a fighter. Even if Süle has more experience, I think Schlotterbeck could give our team more, especially when it comes to the ball.
There were discussions about Joshua Kimmich in the run-up to the World Cup, including Philipp Lahm and Sami Khedira demanding more position loyalty and more defensive thinking. Does it need to be more stable?
I think the organization against the ball needs to improve. Sometimes it gets stuck for a second or two. But it’s not a Joshua Kimmich debate, it’s a collective debate. There needs to be better communication between central defenders and central midfield. If there’s a defender behind Joshua telling him to stay, he won’t leave his position as often. Joshua is very driven, he wants to take part in the game, distribute passes. Leon Goretzka is all the more important next to him, who protects the middle. It was similar for me and Sami Khedira: I knew that Sami was looking for a way forward from time to time. It was all the more important that I closed the middle for him. There is still room for improvement, but I don’t see it as too dramatic.
In the 2014 World Cup victory, Philipp Lahm started in the center but then moved back to the right-back position. Could this discussion about Kimmich 2022 also exist?
I think it shouldn’t be a problem at all to discuss it. As we all know Joshua is excellent at playing the right-back position. If there are problems in the tournament, you know: Joshua can play there without any problems. And you can even shape the game from the right back! If the opponent closes down the center, you need players who are creative on the outside. And that’s Joshua Kimmich without a doubt. Don’t just throw that option away.
Ilkay Gündogan is sitting on the bench with you. How so?
There is a similar type of player in Joshua Kimmich. Leon Goretzka goes beyond the physical, can do the long runs. Jamal Musiala is the most creative man in the squad. Ilkay Gündogan on the bench is a luxury for any team. I really appreciate him, he can be the man for decisive moments. Ilkay can design a game, but it doesn’t quite fit the characters in the midfield. That’s why, sorry Ilkay: First of all, it’s just the bank space to start with.
How important was Hansi Flick as Jogi Löw’s assistant in winning the 2014 World Cup?
Hansi was fully involved in 2014 thanks to his experience, which he had previously gained as a coach in Hoffenheim, among other places: he sometimes led training sessions while Jogi Löw watched. Hansi has always been very communicative. What strikes me now and I really like: Whenever he’s dissatisfied, he shows it – like most recently after the 2-0 lead at Wembley, which was then given as a gift. That shows me: Hansi is convinced that the team can play better. It was very important for him to be there as an assistant coach in 2014. Hansi has a feel for how a World Cup works.
Your World Cup colleagues from 2014, Manuel Neuer and Thomas Müller, are still fundamentally important, captain and runner-up, axis player. Can you imagine both of them still taking part in the EM 2024 in their own country?
If Thomas doesn’t have an important golf tournament in between: definitely (laughs)! Seriously: I think he definitely wants to play the European Championship in Germany. From my experience at the 2006 World Cup I can say: There is nothing bigger than playing a tournament for the German national team in your own country. Manuel Neuer would then be 38, still a great age for a goalkeeper. I’m still totally convinced of its quality. If his body cooperates, he should play as long as possible.
Croatia-Star Ana Maria Markovic
SHE is the “most beautiful footballer in the world”
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For your competitor from the 2014 final, Lionel Messi, it could be the last chance for the world title. Do you have Argentina on your list?
They have a good quality team. Do I see her as one of the top favorites at the World Cup? For me it’s more like France, Brazil, the Netherlands. Argentina is a step below. I would give Lionel Messi the World Cup, he definitely deserved it.
Do you remember a very special Messi moment from the 2014 World Cup?
I played against Messi more often. You always had to be careful during the game because he often wanted to lob the ball over my tackle. After the 2014 World Cup final, I hugged Messi because I know what it means to lose an important final. Especially as an Argentinian if you come from this football-crazy country. I tried to comfort Messi. So I definitely wish him a good tournament and a grand finale in 2022.
