“Fortunately there are computers”
Flick commits to a new replacement
09/22/2022, 4:11 p.m
The new Corona cases in the national soccer team are causing failures in Hansi Flick’s squad. That doesn’t worry the national coach too much, his team is diverse. He committed himself to a substitute for captain Manuel Neuer at an early stage.
On the unusual train journey to Leipzig, Hansi Flick was able to work on his plan B in a relaxed manner. No new corona cases – one day after the positive tests at Manuel Neuer and Leon Goretzka, the national coach smiled relieved and was in a good mood. He can now put his full focus on two Nations League games, which should also be a statement to the World Cup favorites.
Two months before the start of the World Cup against Japan (November 23), Flick has given his “top team with enormous quality” a clear task. “Winning the group is our goal, we definitely want to make it into the Final Four and set an example,” he said before the home game against the uncomfortable Hungarians on Friday (8.45 p.m. / ZDF and in the ntv.de live ticker).
Three days later, it’s time for the European Championship revenge against England: the last two serious international matches before the dress rehearsal against Oman in November should put the team on the way to the fifth world championship star. “We want to play well,” emphasized Flick.
“Maybe consciously reduce contacts again”
He (still) takes the failures with some ease. “Maybe that was good preparation. We don’t know what will happen in Qatar either,” said Flick: “We always have to react.” With a snappy whistle, he ordered his remaining 20 field players to give a short training speech on the DFB campus on Thursday.
After the painful memory of the pandemic, the leadership oscillates between a short leash and personal freedom. “It’s not easy, life has to go on,” reported Flick. “Maybe we have to consciously reduce contacts again.” The goal is “a normality with common sense”.
Against Hungary and on Monday (8.45 p.m. / RTL and in the ntv.de live ticker) in Wembley against England, but also in the weeks after that, the national coach expects “a personal development from every player”. He first has to report 50 players to the world association FIFA, then reduce them to the 26-man squad – and filter his World Cup starting eleven from this. “Fortunately there are computers,” joked Flick, “you can easily slide names in and out.” He decides “step by step” and keeps everything open.
In the event of a defeat on Friday, the path to group victory and the Final Four in 2023 would be blocked. Hungary has hit the German national team twice recently: there was a 2-2 draw at the European Championship last year, and the first leg in June ended happily 1-1 . “They are very united, everyone runs for each other,” said striker Timo Werner, who has secured his place in the World Cup.
Ter Stegen replaces Neuer
Flick will have to adjust his match plan. Neuer and Goretzka immediately left for Munich, and Julian Brandt will also be absent due to a flu infection. In goal, the national coach committed to Marc-André ter Stegen from FC Barcelona, and he also announced “some changes” between the games.
The colorful “One Love” bandage, which captain Neuer will wear at the World Cup, celebrates its premiere in Leipzig. On Friday, substitute captain Thomas Müller will probably send a signal for diversity and against discrimination. “We are all the same, everyone around the world,” said Flick.
The team also made a statement with the train journey. She was heavily criticized two years ago for a 250-kilometer flight from Stuttgart to Basel. The new feeling for the environment and sustainability has now been documented with a three-hour ICE ride. “Maybe someone has a few playing cards with them,” said Thilo Kehrer, laughing.