Friday 17th December 2021
“Be first as possible”
The hammer group comes in handy for Flick
If you want great things, you also have to stand up to great things. That’s how DFB coach Hansi Flick sees it. He takes the difficult fate for the national soccer team in the Nations League calmly, even as welcome. Real touchstones are needed on the way to the World Cup.
After the hammerless with England, Italy and Hungary as Nations League opponents, Hansi Flick goes to the home office on the last Bundesliga matchday of the year. Corona leaves the national coach no other choice either. “I actually wanted to go to two more games, once Hoffenheim against Gladbach and then Freiburg against Leverkusen,” said Flick about his final plans for 2021. “But we have now decided, due to the situation in Baden-Württemberg, not to go to the stadium Because it is not allowed either. That is why we have decided against it and will see it at home. “
Before the festival, Flick wants to do a few analyzes of his observations. Then there is also a Christmas break for the national coach, a short time to breathe. But of course, the 56-year-old’s thoughts have long been about the 2022 World Cup and, since Thursday evening, especially about the way to Qatar. For the four international matches in June and the two in September in the UEFA competition, the Nations League draw provided exactly the tough tournament touchstones that the national soccer team had been spared in qualifying with seven victories under Flick.
The fact that there are games against the European champions, the vice-European champions and a difficult-to-play group opponent at the last European Championship does not bother him much. At least it doesn’t change his goals: The Nations League is its own tournament, its own competition. We want to do the best we can and be first in the group if possible. “He said: No matter who comes as an opponent, we are confident.”
“Teams at the top level”
“We are still far from satisfied, what we see on the field. If you look at the group in the Nations League in the summer, I think that England, Italy, but also Hungary, are teams that are top-class . We have to take the next step, “demanded the national coach. In the direction of Qatar, he wanted to see the same performance at the European Championship revenge against England and the trial of strength against European champions Italy that “we had against opponents who are not among the top teams,” stressed Flick. The four group winners of League A will qualify for the final tournament in June 2023, the bottom of the group will be relegated to League B. The games will be played in June (four) and September (two).
The hopeful coach has just returned from Qatar with very fresh impressions and has been impressed by the logistical conditions in the World Cup host country. “As far as the infrastructure is concerned, as far as the places are concerned, everything around is really good, that’s great. Top places, all at a high level. That’s something to look forward to,” said Flick.
When looking for a World Cup hotel, the German Football Association is evidently already further. “The impressions are there, but nothing has been decided yet,” explained Flick. With DFB director Oliver Bierhoff he was on a “common denominator” on the neighborhood issue.