Lukas Podolski can imagine a nomination by BVB defense chief Mats Hummels for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar under certain conditions.
“Mats has the experience, he has played tournaments. In the end, the question arises as to what his role at the World Cup should be, which will be discussed between the national coach and Mats. If he is only intended as the 26th man, Mats has to decide whether he wants it that way and accepts it,” said Podolski in a double interview with “kicker” with him and Rudi Völler.
On the other hand, the attacker of the Polish first division club Górnik Zabrze ruled out a comeback by Toni Kroos: “Of course a player is missing, no question. But I know Toni quite well, he was always very clear in his statements. If he ever made a decision scored, he’s behind it too. There’s no going back for him either.”
Real Madrid’s playmaker announced his retirement from the DFB team last year after the disappointing European Championship.
Lukas Podolski “misses” that in the DFB team
In principle, Podolski would like the national team to have more momentum in view of the finals in Qatar.
“What has always distinguished us was the team spirit and cohesion. We have to have spirit, fun and determination. I missed that a bit in the last few games. I missed this absolute power,” said the 2014 world champion.
Bayern’s crisis “not necessarily” a problem
After the 0: 1 against Hungary and the 3: 3 against England, he was not restless in the Nations League.
“I’m not worried. In my time we also screwed up games before tournaments, there was a lot of criticism and discussions, there was also speculation about who had to leave the national team and be taken to the tournament,” said Podolski.
The 37-year-old does not see FC Bayern’s recent weakness as a problem for the DFB team. “If things aren’t going well for a player in the club, it doesn’t necessarily have to be the same in the national team. It’s also possible that a player can flip the switch if he’s in a new environment with the national team, with a different one coach and in a different atmosphere,” said Podolski.