Football “Not so good”
In the middle of the season in the USA – criticism of the national team’s trip
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Niklas Süle finds the date for the national team’s trip to America unfavorable
Source: dpa/Julian Stratenschulte
In October, the German national team travels to the USA for two international matches. Two days later, the Bundesliga continues again. Not everyone thinks this makes sense, players openly criticize it.
First of all, there are international matches against Japan on Saturday (8.45 p.m. / RTL) and three days later against France (9 p.m. / ARD). But the German national team’s trip to the USA in October casts its shadow – and the German national players are critical of it due to the strain of the journey and the jet lag.
“I see it with my colleagues who travel ten hours somewhere in Africa or with Giovanni Reyna who comes back jet lagged after games for the USA. In my opinion, the date wasn’t quite as well chosen,” said defender Niklas Süle. The 28-year-old was only in the USA during the pre-season with Borussia Dortmund.
The DFB selection will play two friendlies on the American East Coast on October 14 in Hartford against the USA and three days later in Philadelphia against Mexico. The trip starts on Monday, October 9th. The return flight is on Wednesday 18 October.
“The body is our capital”
Just two days later, the Bundesliga game continues with Dortmund versus Werder Bremen. The Bundesliga clubs are therefore also critical of the trip.
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Leverkusen’s Jonas Hofmann had spoken of “divided opinions”. He goes along with the arguments against the trip, but is still looking forward to experiencing something on site. “I’m happy to take on the stress of the flight and the time change,” said the 31-year-old. “But our bodies are our assets and are being compromised.”
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Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen has no personal experience of traveling overseas during the season. Of course, he does point out to his national team colleagues at FC Barcelona, for example when they return from assignments in South America, that they are not physically “one hundred percent” when they return from the trip.
Voller’s half-hearted defense
Rudi Völler, sporting director of the DFB, now defended the trip. However, he also emphasized that this was not his idea and that he only understood the usefulness later. “When I started at the DFB, this journey was almost clear. My first reflex was – I’m honest: Why are we actually doing it?” Völler said on the association’s website: “Meanwhile I also say: It’s good.”
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With a view to the upcoming World Cup in 2026 in the USA, Mexico and Canada, it is important to present yourself to the fans on site, to hold talks and make contacts. “Even though we are all looking forward to our home European Championship next year, which is the focus of all our planning, it is part of professional preparation to tackle the following tournament at an early stage in order to create optimal conditions there as well,” argued the former DFB Team leader Voller.
The world will not stop turning after the EM 2024. “For a greater perception and presence of German football, the Bundesliga and its clubs, it is important that the best players in Germany also show themselves internationally,” said Völler.
