“Not all names are correct”
Flick fuels speculation about a World Cup squad
10/27/2022, 1:30 p.m
Hansi Flick does not really want to answer questions about which (maximum) 55 players are in the provisional World Cup squad. When asked, the German national coach in an interview with RTL / ntv gives an insight into who can have hopes and for whom the chances are bad.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is a much talked about man these days. The forgotten striker makes the impossible possible at Bayern: He leaves Robert Lewandowski behind and ends the wild nine-pointer discussion at the record champions with his goals. A similar debate is also being held about the German national soccer team. Do you need a classic striker? The 33-year-old knows from his own experience how goals feel for Germany. He played 19 times for the youth national teams of the DFB and scored nine times. But before the transition to senior level, he decided to return to his father’s homeland, Cameroon.
It’s a shame, says national coach Hansi Flick in an exclusive RTL/ntv interview, who jokingly asked the striker in a phone call a few days ago if he didn’t want to play for the DFB team. 27 days before the first World Cup game of his selection against Japan, the 57-year-old is also dealing with the question of who should score the goals for Germany. In the public discussion, Werder Bremen’s Niclas Füllkrug is in pole position. He has scored eight goals in eleven Bundesliga games, making him the top scorer. “He embodies something that we don’t have in this constellation,” says Flick. Füllkrug, who “plays a good season”, is therefore an option – like many others. Flick does not want to let his cards be looked at, but fueled speculation two weeks before the final announcement of his squad for Qatar.
The national coach had to submit a preliminary list to FIFA. 55 names may appear on this paper. There was wild name-dropping in the media. Even midfielder Rani Khedira and central defender Robin Knoche from surprise leaders Union Berlin are traded. “Not all names are right,” says Flick and adds: “There are also a few players on it who have not played a role for us before.” The coach also admitted that the media, consultants and even friends would try to influence the squad planning. Is he susceptible to it? Rather not.
It won’t just be about football
There is a high probability that Mats Hummels will be on the extensive list. Although the Borusse has never been nominated for the team under Flick, he is in close contact with the boss. “We have agreed things, but they remain between us.” For Flick, not only do experience and form count when selecting staff, he also looks to the future. “Maybe we’ll take a young player with us so he can gain tournament experience.” Florian Wirtz is one of the young players, although not in central defence. The super talent is about to make a comeback at Bayer Leverkusen after tearing his cruciate ligament. Is it enough for the World Cup squad? Flick would like it: “I like footballers like that. He plays carefree. But it’s important that his injury heals well.” He is in close contact with Bayer on this.
He also maintains close contact with the injured regulars Manuel Neuer, Leroy Sané and Jonas Hofmann via the medical department of the DFB. But he is optimistic that everyone will be fit and in good shape by the time the World Cup starts. Both are the leitmotifs for the nomination. Flick will nominate four goalkeepers for the 26-man squad, which may no longer be changed after the announcement, in order not only to have alternatives in the games in the event of a possible injury, but also to be able to work effectively in training. He did not reveal what they are. “But overall we have everything in mind, now we’re waiting and hoping everyone stays healthy and fit.”
In the base camp in Qatar, Flick is hoping for a dynamic similar to that in the legendary Campo Bahia in 2014, where Germany laid the foundation for the World Cup triumph. He did not formulate the word “title” as a goal in the interview, but he included the DFB team in the long list of candidates. He has Brazil and Argentina on his list, but also the European representatives France, England, Spain, Belgium and Portugal. “I’m just happy when things get going, when football is played.”
The national coach is of course aware that this World Cup is not just about football, but also about human rights. “I’ve made myself very clear about the award. And over the past six or seven months we’ve informed the team with a lot of activities. We’re going there and want to enjoy the World Cup. We want to meet the local people openly and with curiosity, but also keep your eyes open if something happens.” There are no guidelines for his players from Flicks. “Every single player is so reflected that he has an opinion on it.”