Two days before the “final” of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar against Spain, there is unrest in the camp of the German national team. Within the team, after the opening debacle against Japan, there should also be doubts about national coach Hansi Flick. He, in turn, is probably pursuing an emergency plan with a Bayern star.
It crunches in the German national soccer team. The 1-2 draw against Japan at the start of the World Cup was tantamount to a sporting oath of disclosure. Up front, the DFB stars left a number of the best opportunities untapped. At the back, the less than solid defense wobbled alarmingly, especially in the second round.
National coach Hansi Flick, who has mostly been showered with praise during his tenure despite many mixed performances, also had to put up with criticism.
“I didn’t understand some things about the line-up against Japan. National coach Hansi Flick is my friend, I stand by him 100 percent. But among friends you can be honest, you even have to be: he coached himself against Japan,” wrote Record national player Lothar Matthäus in his “Bild” column.
“Harmony change” in favor of a Bayern star?
In particular, the replacement of the strong pacesetter and goalscorer Ilkay Gündogan in the 67th minute for Leon Goretzka when the score was 1-0, annoyed many observers. This completely changed the statics in the German team.
The line was lost, Japan’s goals, of all things, by the two Bundesliga legionnaires Ritsu Doan (75th) and Takuma Asano (83rd) ensured a nightmare start to the tournament for the DFB selection.
According to “Bild”, this change is also viewed critically within the team. There is “misunderstanding”, writes the tabloid, there is talk of a “harmonious change” in favor of Goretzkas, who surprisingly did not make it into the starting lineup.
Soccer World Cup: This is Hansi Flick’s emergency plan with Joshua Kimmich
In order to turn things around against Spain on Sunday (8:00 p.m.), there is now even a transfer of midfield engine Joshua Kimmich to the right-back, which Niklas Süle worked poorly against Japan.
“Every person, every position” will be discussed, confirmed Flick on Thursday during a media round when asked about it.
According to “Bild”, the coach and the FC Bayern professional have already made a possible role change together as an emergency plan before the World Cup. This could now be put into practice against Spain.