It didn’t take long for interim coach Horst Hrubesch to be convinced of his renewed commitment to the DFB women.
“I had no concerns – not at all,” said the 72-year-old when he was introduced at the DFB campus: “I didn’t have to think about it spontaneously. It was very easy to say that I would do it.”
Ultimately, despite the disappointment at the World Cup, he believes “in this squad and in these players. I know what they can do and I expect them to deliver.”
He knows most of the players from his first term in office and will “certainly have chemistry again straight away”. Nevertheless, “everyone has to start from scratch. There are no free tickets,” emphasized the Hamburger SV icon.
As to the exact length of his term of office, he is “undetermined”. The focus is initially on the remaining four Nations League games and the path to the “absolute highlight” Paris. “I am convinced that we can manage the Olympics,” said the interim coach.
Hrubesch has “a sense of responsibility for women’s football in Germany” and enjoys “an extremely high level of acceptance among the players,” said DFB President Bernd Neuendorf, explaining the commitment.
The former attacker stands for “unforgettable moments in German football” and certainly has “a knack” for the players in the current difficult situation. “It’s a lucky coincidence that we were able to convince him at such short notice,” said Neuendorf.
Hrubesch had already looked after the national team from March to November 2018. “I learned to love women’s football back then,” he said: “What I was able to take with me was sensationally good for my life.” The director of the HSV youth training center will continue his duties in the club between the DFB courses.