Defense before Poland game
Flick: criticism okay – “but leave the players outside”
6/15/2023, 7:53 p.m
DFB’s 1000th international match against Ukraine was sobering. Before the 1001st game, national coach Flick calls for the players to be exempt from criticism. But it wasn’t because of his system either. At least there will be a few personnel changes against Poland.
Hansi Flick squeezed into his gray chair on the narrow podium in Warsaw’s National Stadium with a smile – and launched into an unprecedented defense speech. “We have to put up with the criticism,” said the national coach, who had come under pressure, “and it’s okay if it’s focused on me personally. But please leave the players out!” Especially his darling Joshua Kimmich.
Crisis in results, depressed mood – for Flick it is clear twelve months before the European Championships at home: “I’m not worried at all!” He was “convinced of our path and that next year we will have a team that is well prepared for the EURO.” Against all odds – and with Kimmich as one of the leaders.
Flick emphasized that protecting the Munich player before the international match against Poland tomorrow (8.45 p.m. / ARD) is “close to his heart”. He understands “zero point zero” that he is condemned. Kimmich has a mentality like the basketball gods Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant, he said, “he leads the way and is a role model for all players”.
“More fighting, more physicality”
Even during the final training session on the Frankfurt campus, Flick seemed really goaded. The announcement from the highest authority had probably alarmed him too. “More heart and more passion,” demanded Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on the rocky road to the European Championship – and Flick immediately lived these virtues. He knows: A bankruptcy in the tricky duel with Robert Lewandowski’s Poland would have far-reaching consequences. Also for him.
“Fight more, more physicality,” he demanded of his eleven, in which he wants to make “some changes” after the unsatisfactory 3-3 draw against Ukraine. Marc-Andre ter Stegen moves into goal, Emre Can according to Flick as an additional stabilizer in midfield and Jamal Musiala in the starting XI. Returnee Robin Gosens is also “an option” as flank protection for the shaky chain of three.
This does not yet apply to triple hero Ilkay Gündogan, who will only play against Colombia in his birthplace Gelsenkirchen on Tuesday. Flick has to do without Timo Werner, who left because of his ankle problems, as well as Lukas Klostermann, who injured his thigh in training.
The most recent achievements, he emphasized, are “not our claim”. But, and Flick wanted to “make it clear here again, it has nothing to do with the system”. It’s more “about the basics” and about “keeping the ball under pressure”. He intends to continue with his experiments. March and June are “reserved for trying something out,” said the 58-year-old, and from September the focus will be “on stability.” And possibly again with Manuel Neuer and Thomas Müller. Flick “signaled” the veterans that they should “be ready” for the international matches against Japan and France, wrote the “Bild” newspaper.