Richard Golz, the former SC Freiburg goalkeeper and club legend, has weighed in on Germany’s World Cup selection debate, stating he would choose Matthias Ginter over Antonio Rüdiger for the national team squad. The comments come as Freiburg prepares for a historic stretch of three semifinal matches in two weeks, pushing for what could be the greatest season in the club’s history.
Golz, who played for Freiburg from 1998 to 2006 and made 219 Bundesliga appearances for the club, shared his perspective in an interview with Sport Bild. His remarks highlight an ongoing discussion among Freiburg supporters and analysts about which defender better represents the club’s values and current form as Germany prepares for international competition.
The former goalkeeper emphasized that Ginter’s recent performances and commitment to the national team make him the preferable choice despite Rüdiger’s established international pedigree. Golz’s view carries particular weight given his deep connection to Freiburg, where he remains a respected figure following his playing career and subsequent operate in football recruitment.
Matthias Ginter, who came through Freiburg’s youth system before returning to the club in recent years, has been a consistent performer for both club and country. The defender has earned multiple caps for Germany and was part of the squad that won the 2014 FIFA World Cup, though his recent involvement under current coach Julian Nagelsmann has been limited despite strong performances at the club level.
Antonio Rüdiger, currently playing for Real Madrid, has been a regular fixture in Germany’s defense in recent years and brings significant experience from top-level club football and international tournaments. His physical presence and defensive acumen have made him a key player for Die Mannschaft in major competitions.
Golz’s preference for Ginter appears rooted in the defender’s current form and connection to Freiburg’s playing philosophy. The former goalkeeper praised Freiburg’s recent success, attributing it to “Högschde Konzentration” (extreme concentration) combined with defensive obsession, physicality, tactical discipline, and strength on offensive set pieces – qualities he sees embodied in Ginter’s approach.
The timing of Golz’s comments is particularly notable as Freiburg faces an unprecedented challenge. The club has three semifinal matches scheduled within a two-week span: first the DFB-Pokal semifinal against Stuttgart, followed by the two-legged Europa League semifinal against Braga (first leg April 30, second leg May 7). A potential DFB-Pokal final on May 23 would come just three days after a possible Europa League final on May 20.
This congested schedule represents both a tremendous opportunity and a significant challenge for the Freiburg squad. Success in all three competitions would mark the most successful season in the club’s 120-year history, potentially delivering both domestic and European silverware in the same campaign.
Oliver Leki, Freiburg’s sporting director, is reportedly excited about the financial implications of this deep run, with Golz noting that the club’s leadership shares the players’ enthusiasm for the performance-related bonuses available for reaching these late stages of competition.
Julian Schuster, who took over as head coach from longtime legend Christian Streich in 2024, has been credited by Golz with implementing the tactical approach that has driven Freiburg’s success. Golz believes Schuster has the potential to “prägen eine Ära” (shape an era) at the club if he continues on his current path.
The debate between Ginter and Rüdiger for national team selection reflects broader questions about how Germany balances experience with current form when selecting squads for major tournaments. While Rüdiger offers proven tournament experience and familiarity with Nagelsmann’s system, Ginter represents a player in peak form who embodies the defensive principles that have made Freiburg so difficult to break down this season.
For Freiburg supporters, Golz’s endorsement of Ginter serves as validation of the club’s development philosophy and current trajectory. Having produced or redeveloped players capable of earning such high-level consideration speaks to the quality of coaching and recruitment at the Schwarzwald-Stadion.
As Germany continues its preparations for upcoming international fixtures, the selection debate between these two talented defenders will likely continue. Golz’s perspective adds a respected voice from within the Freiburg family to the conversation, emphasizing current form and tactical suitability over past accomplishments alone.
Freiburg’s immediate focus remains on navigating their challenging semifinal schedule. Success in even one of these competitions would represent a remarkable achievement; contending for all three trophies simultaneously places the club in rare territory in German football history.
The next checkpoint for Freiburg is the DFB-Pokal semifinal against Stuttgart on Thursday, followed by the first leg of their Europa League tie with Braga on April 30. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if the club can maintain its impressive form through this demanding period.
What are your thoughts on Golz’s Ginter versus Rüdiger assessment for Germany’s World Cup plans? Share your perspective in the comments below and let us know which defender you believe deserves a spot in the squad.
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