Soccer national goalkeeper Almuth Schult has to nibble on her role as Germany number two, but accepted the decision for Merle Frohms as EM goalkeeper.
“I would have loved to play. It would have been something special to play an international match as a mother because that was always the big goal,” said the 31-year-old from VfL Wolfsburg at the training camp in Herzogenaurach.
Frohms (27/Eintracht Frankfurt) has been in the DFB goal since Schult was absent due to shoulder surgery and childbirth. Since Schult was also slowed down by Corona and injuries on her comeback, she has not played an international match since the 2019 World Cup. “Of course it hurts me that that’s the reason now, but in sport not everything can always be planned,” said the mother of twins.
After a strong season in the VfL jersey, Schult let it be known that she felt overwhelmed when national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg communicated her decision. “I found out about it at very short notice, wasn’t prepared for it at the moment, but it’s okay. I knew it could happen and the tendency was there,” explained the 64-time international.
As a motivation, it is understandable to say before the finals in England (July 6th to 31st), “You take something known that has worked recently. I don’t want to blame anyone either. The coach just sees it as their best possible solution at the moment,” explained Schult.
As a seasoned player, the Rio Olympic champion would also like to offer support in the substitute role. “Everyone who knows me knows that I give everything for the team,” emphasized Schult, who has the most tournament experience in the squad. She believes “that my word carries weight, that I am also asked questions in critical situations, that also makes me proud”.