“Much, much more expected”
National coach Hrubesch takes a hard look at DFB talent
February 14, 2024, 6:54 p.m
Lena Lattwein is missing from the German squad for the Nations League finals. National coach Horst Hrubesch reveals that the Wolfsburg player is currently not even close to exploiting her potential. An ex-Bayern star is also missing in France. And Hrubesch also gives good reasons for this.
Interim national coach Horst Hrubesch has clearly explained his decision not to use midfielder Lena Lattwein for the final round of the Olympics. “For me, she doesn’t actually play what she can play,” said Hrubesch in a digital media round, adding that he would have “expected much, much more” from the 23-year-old from VfL Wolfsburg. Given the large selection in midfield, “I had to make a decision and decided against Lena.”
Goal: Ann-Katrin Berger (FC Chelsea), Merle Frohms (VfL Wolfsburg), Stina Johannes (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Defense: Sara Doorsoun, Sophia Kleinherne, Pia-Sophie Wolter (all Eintracht Frankfurt), Giulia Gwinn (Bayern Munich), Marina Hegering, Kathrin Hendrich (both VfL Wolfsburg), Sarai Linder (TSG Hoffenheim)
Midfield/attack: Jule Brand, Vivien Endemann, Svenja Huth, Lena Oberdorf, Alexandra Popp (all VfL Wolfsburg), Laura Freigang (Eintracht Frankfurt), Klara Bühl, Linda Dallmann, Sydney Lohmann, Lea Schüller (all Bayern Munich), Sara Däbritz (Olympique Lyon) , Sjoeke Nüsken (FC Chelsea), Elisa Senß (Bayer Leverkusen)
Due to the great competition in this position, Lina Magull, like Lattwein, is only on call for the Nations League showdown on the 23rd/28th. Nominated in February. Magull needs more match practice after her move from FC Bayern to Inter Milan. The 72-year-old emphasized that he had spoken to the vice-European champions and “always plays with open cards.”
The midfielders Magull and Lattwein, as well as striker Nicole Anyomi (Eintracht Frankfurt) and defender Felicitas Rauch (North Carolina Courage/previously Wolfsburg), were there at the 2022 European Championships and the 2023 World Cup. Anyomi and Rauch are also not in Hrubesch’s 23-man squad this time. Wolfsburg striker Vivien Endemann is a newcomer. In addition, defender Pia-Sophie Wolter (Frankfurt) returns after a long time.
With a view to the personnel situation finally being relaxed, Hrubesch said he was “happy and happy that we were able to make full use of everything” and praised the clubs’ work during the winter break. Among others, Lena Oberdorf (VfL Wolfsburg) and Lea Schüller (FC Bayern) are back on board after recovering from injuries when the battle for the two remaining Paris tickets begins in Lyon (9 p.m./ARD and in the live ticker at ntv.de) against the French.
Thanks to the draw, the DFB women have a double chance, as France, as hosts, has already qualified for the Olympics. If they win against Les Bleues, participation in the summer games would be assured; if they lose, third place would be enough. In the second semi-final, world champions Spain will meet the Netherlands.