National team Flick on the crisis in the national team: “It pisses me off”
Germany’s national coach Hansi Flick speaks at a press conference. photo
© Bernd Thissen/dpa
After the disappointing international matches in June, criticism of Hansi Flick and the national team was high. The national coach now chooses drastic words – and formulates clear expectations for some players.
National coach Hansi Flick has reacted with clear words to the recent poor performance of the national soccer team and wants to focus on the results with a view to the 2024 home European Championship.
“It’s about developing a self-image again. I’m not in the mood to lose games anymore, it pisses me off,” said the 58-year-old to “Kicker”. “We have to broadcast again: We are Germany, the others should come here first. And they should realize that it will be difficult against us.”
On the one hand, he can understand the heavy criticism after the June international matches against Ukraine (3:3), against Poland (0:1) and against Colombia (0:2). “In view of the results, we shouldn’t be surprised at the criticism, we have to accept it,” said Flick. “Any criticism is permissible and justified. In retrospect, however, it is also important for us that we have declared the first half of the year to be a test phase.”
“If we win, we’ll change the mood”
It is now a matter of making the international matches against Japan and France successful in September and also ensuring a change of mood with a view to the tournament in Germany next year with positive results. “If we win, we’ll change the mood. It’s in our own hands,” said the national coach. The high expectations do not worry him. “You can prove yourself under pressure. Pressure can also help. Preparations for the European Championship are now beginning,” he said.
With a view to the tournament, defender Antonio Rüdiger from Real Madrid, Munich’s Joshua Kimmich, Emre Can from Borussia Dortmund and Ilkay Gündogan should take on leadership roles in the national team. Flick expects a lot from Gündogan in particular after his move from treble winners Manchester City to FC Barcelona. “Above all, he needs to take more leadership with us. He needs to embrace that role even more,” he said. “Ilkay has everything he needs to move forward. And that’s what we expect from him.”
Flick is also satisfied with the reaction of central defender Niklas Süle after he was not nominated in June. “The first serve was good, I’m very happy about that. Especially for him,” said the former Bayern coach, who had already worked with Süle in Munich. “There is no doubt about his quality, for Niklas: he brings everything with him, it’s up to him.” Flick had not nominated the Dortmund player for the international matches in June and justified this, among other things, with the fact that the 27-year-old was not exploiting his potential.
dpa
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