German Players and Coaches Criticize International Trip to USA and Mexico

After Bayern’s 3-0 win against Freiburg, the latter commented on the upcoming overseas trip – and criticized: “It’s not optimal when it comes to travel. Above all, I find it extremely unfortunate that the second game (against Mexico; editor’s note) is at 2 a.m. German time. You can’t really understand that.”

Within just 14 days, the national players will play two Bundesliga games in Germany – and in the middle of these two international games on the US east coast (USA game: East Hartford; Mexico game: Philadelphia).

“It’s extreme with this trip, I’ve never experienced it before,” Goretzka confirmed the international break, which was perceived as a strain.

“But as players we are in a situation where we do what we are told to do. Of course we can be critical, but at the end of the day we are there to perform and accept it.”

The 28-year-old made it clear that he felt ready for the tasks in the national team anyway: “I feel in top shape and have been injury-free for almost a year now, which wasn’t always the case in the past. I feel physically very stable.”

His club coach Thomas Tuchel, who succeeded national coach Julian Nagelsmann at club level, also gave an incendiary speech against the appointment in the past. And yet he reiterated that he did not blame Nagelsmann for having nominated “his” players.

“Every national coach now gets the best players. It’s his right, I would do that too if I were him. He has full focus on the European Championships.”

However, the Bayern coach couldn’t resist taking a small swipe at the top of the DFB, who came up with the idea for the trip: “Maybe they’re already testing for the next World Cup in the USA and Mexico.” By the way, this will take place in 2026 – i.e. in three years.

2023-10-09 07:51:45
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