Olympic mission after World Cup debacle
Popp does not answer a sensitive question about the national coach
September 21, 2023, 4:53 p.m
The German footballers are heading into the Olympic qualifications weighed down by the still-lingering effects of the World Cup debacle and the difficult situation surrounding the national coach. Captain Alexandra Popp is cautious about the future of Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, who is ill.
DFB captain Alexandra Popp avoided a commitment to the national coach in the debate about the future of the ill Martina Voss-Tecklenburg. When asked by a media representative whether the team wanted to continue with Voss-Tecklenburg once she had recovered, Popp said clearly at a German Football Association press conference in Viborg, Denmark: “You know that I won’t answer that question. It is “Basically not our decision.”
50 days after the World Cup debacle, the situation is not just unusual, but noticeably tense. The DFB women have to shake off all nagging doubts and, despite adverse circumstances, go straight to the Nations League premiere on Friday (6 p.m./ARD and in the ntv.de live ticker) deliver in Denmark. Without the criticized national coach, without a finished tournament analysis, but with a lot of pressure. “I feel that the players are highly motivated and want to make up for a lot,” said sporting director Joti Chatzialexiou optimistically. Popp gave the direction: “It’s about the Olympics. That’s why it’s time to stand together and work.”
It is imperative to win the group
Because after the tearful and historic preliminary round exit in Australia, Paris 2024 is at stake. There are only two European tickets up for grabs through the new competition. So the struggling European vice-champions have to win their challenging group with their other opponents Iceland and Wales and then probably reach the final in the four-man final tournament.
As if that wasn’t tricky enough, the unclear future of Voss-Tecklenburg, who is on sick leave, paralyzes the necessary optimism and the rumor mill is bubbling. Her assistant and representative Britta Carlson announced adjustments, particularly in pressing, in the double pack in Denmark and against Iceland on Tuesday (6.15 p.m./ZDF and in the ntv.de live ticker) In Bochum it takes “passion” and the team knows “what is at stake”.
More aggressiveness in duels
National goalkeeper Almuth Schult, currently on her second maternity break, believes she is capable of this mission. Carlson is a “proven expert.” The unsettled team now needs “a great deal of simplicity,” Schult told NDR, “no major tactical training, but just short, clear rules and, above all, a lot of fun with football and a certain lightness.” Popp assured that “many discussions” had already been held within the team. The aim is “to deal openly with each other here now in order to get the best out of it.” This requires more aggressiveness in duels – from Popp’s point of view, a shortcoming at the World Cup.
In terms of personnel, the return of Giulia Gwinn is a bright spot. The FC Bayern full-back missed the World Cup after tearing her cruciate ligament and now embodies confidence. “Everyone is eager to take on the new tasks. As an athlete, it’s always nice to have the chance to turn it around after such a negative experience,” said the 24-year-old. At the same time, she warned against Denmark’s “outstanding player” Pernille Harder. Gwinn has been playing with the star striker in Munich since this summer. The memory of the European Championship should give us courage, when the DFB selection began its 2022 summer fairy tale in England with a furious 4-0 win against the Danes: “It will be important to bring our virtues to the pitch and give ourselves a good feeling .”