Looking back on the failed World Cup in Qatar, Kai Havertz lamented the lack of support from the German fans. “We had no support. There were other reasons too, we understand that. But there was also no support in terms of football,” said the offensive player from Arsenal FC on Thursday in the Wolfsburg Autostadt: “We were on our own there.”
Without tailwind from home, however, successes are difficult to achieve. “That’s important because it also gives strength,” said Havertz. “The kind of support that other teams had – we lacked that a bit. They always say the fans are the twelfth man. We didn’t always feel that one hundred percent.”
“Hansi Flick makes it sensational”
The discussion about the rainbow tie, Qatar as host and the tournament date in winter had dampened the joy of the World Cup, at least in Germany, apart from sporting achievements. “You can only get the country on your side by delivering,” said Dortmund professional Julian Brandt during the press conference. “You have to find your way into the EM well and then, at best, be successful.”
When asked about the situation of the national coach Hansi Flick, who has been criticized, Brandt said: “He has had a lot on his face in the last few weeks and months. I think he’s doing sensational right now. He is very clear in his speeches. I think he knows exactly what he wants, what he demands. That’s how he conveys it.”
And further: “Of course, now you take a closer look at it from the outside,” Brandt remarked on the public focus on Flick after the last four games without a win and before the very important start of the season with the home European Championship.
Christian Kamp Published/Updated: , Recommendations: 11 Christopher Meltzer, Wolfsburg Published/Updated: , Recommendations: 1 Christopher Meltzer, Wolfsburg Published/Updated: , Recommendations: 3
“In the end, what’s important is what happens on Saturday and Tuesday and how you’re evaluated in the end,” said the 42-time national player Brandt, referring to the games against World Cup shock Japan and then against World Cup runners-up France in Dortmund.
The Wolfsburg Arena will be sold out on Saturday (8.45 p.m. in the FAZ live ticker for the national team and on RTL) with 24,247 spectators, as the DFB announced.
Havertz also wants to “bring the fans back on board and create euphoria”. Even in bad phases, soccer players need backing and support “so that you can get out of it again,” said Havertz.
