Flick relies on the younger generation
Mats Hummels (33) reacted frustrated to not being nominated for the World Cup in Qatar. “Unsurprisingly, this is one of the biggest disappointments of my career. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for the team at the World Cup and I’ll use the time to react to such an experience with hard work, as always,” wrote the Borussia Dortmund centre-back in a brief message on “Instagram”.
National coach Hansi Flick had explained that he would not use the experienced defender with a view to younger central defenders. “He’s in excellent form, is in great shape and a very valuable player for Dortmund,” said Flick about the 2014 world champion. But he also had to “keep an eye on the future a bit”.
With 2 newcomers & returnees Götze: Flick’s 26-man squad for the World Cup in Qatar
To date, Hummels has played 76 international matches for the DFB team, which puts him among the top 30 record players in Germany. He was last on the pitch in June 2021 in the round of 16 against England. Most recently, Flick had emphasized that he was in regular contact with Hummels. “There is a clear agreement with him on how we will proceed in relation to the World Cup. But that’s between us. The fundamental question here is: are we taking an experienced player with us to Qatar? Or do we think about the future, nominate a youngster and give him the chance to prove himself at the highest level?” The decision was now in favor of the younger generation around BVB colleague Nico Schlotterbeck (22) and Co.
World Cup squad fixed: Flick nominates filling jug – Hummels not in the squad
Hummels received support from his club. “Obviously this is very disappointing for Mats. And it’s certainly not easy for him to accept because he has shown very, very stable performances in the past few weeks and months,” said Dortmund’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl on Thursday. The defensive man took the decision “very, very difficultly” on Wednesday evening, said Kehl. “Obviously he’s disappointed. That was his big goal,” said BVB coach Edin Terzic, but also emphasized: “We are sure that he will show us a really good game tomorrow.”
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