The day before the test match against Japan on Saturday (September 9th, 2023, 8:45 p.m., live in the Sportschau audio stream), national coach Hansi Flick announced that Ilkay Gündogan will be captain. But that’s not the only innovation to finally write positive headlines again.
The German national team has only won two of the last ten international matches. There was the bitter preliminary round exit at the World Cup in Qatar, then national coach Hansi Flick’s team also disappointed afterwards. The hoped-for turnaround after the desert bankruptcy in winter 2022? Has not happened so far. The fans haven’t moved any closer to the DFB team either.
“Great honor” for Gündogan
Nevertheless, Flick always emphasized that he wanted to stick to his concept and was convinced that the team was on the right track. According to his announcement, everything should get better from the friendly against Japan. The 58-year-old reacted accordingly – among other things, he made Ilkay Gündogan the new captain. The FC Barcelona midfielder will join Joshua Kimmich in a “Leadership duo” form. “This gives us new energy that we can use”said Flick.
“I’m happy about the trust. It’s a great honor for me to be able to lead this young team onto the pitch.”said Gündogan, who was “of responsibility“be aware.
In the squad for the game against Japan, Thomas Müller (121) and Kimmich (79) have played more international matches than Gündogan (67). The new captain did not want to share the criticism that he was not able to demonstrate his top performances, especially at his last club Manchester City, with the national team.
Gündogan: “I also played good international games”
“I think I’ve played good international matches in the recent past too”, he said. For him, it is crucial that more dynamism comes back into the game of the A team. “If we manage to get used to it, it will also benefit my game”said Gündogan.
Before his serious injury, Manuel Neuer was DFB captain. The national coach left it open whether the national goalkeeper would get the armband back if he returned. “Manu has to get well first. We hope that he comes back soon. But that is a matter of the future”said Flick.
New game idea and new role for Kimmich
The national coach also announced that he wanted to fundamentally reform his game idea. Flick asserted that he had learned his lessons from the World Cup shock. “Life is always about learning from the past“, he said. “We took a lot from the World Cup. Now we have agreed on a playing philosophy.” Flick described this as follows: “We want to see the team active, keep the intensity high – and ultimately regain trust.”
Kimmich, most recently substitute captain and compared to Michael Jordan by Flick in June, will also have to vacate his place in the power center of the German structure. Flick indicated that he did not test Kimmich as a right-back in the secret test against his own U20 without ulterior motives. If the Munich player then moves to the middle in possession of the ball, Gündogan would advance to the eight position – and stage the attacks. According to Flick, Kimmich will be deployed there,”where he brings the most to the team“: right back, which closes a very annoying construction site for the national coach in recent years.
Of course, he would never describe Kimmich’s withdrawal from the six as a demotion. He is a “absolute professional and team player“The team could”make things better in different positions“. His task is to identify this position.
Süle defends next to Rüdiger
And something has also happened in defense. Niklas Süle defends alongside defense chief Antonio Rüdiger. Malick Thiaw is a good man who is developing well, emphasized Flick, but Süle will play, who appeared defiant in his appearance after the reminder of the disembarkation for the June window.
Süle was one of the many topics that had caused a stir in the past few days and weeks. The World Cup documentary, the criticism of Kai Havertz’s fans, discussions about the upcoming trip to the US, speculation about his expulsion. Flick”hardly read anything anymore“And that’s good for him, he said.”I want to look after this team, I am proud and grateful“, assured Flick. “This is a lot of fun.“Now his team has to have fun again.