After three draws in the Nations League so far, national coach Hansi Flick finally wants three points from his team against Italy.
Flick goes the final duel this season “very positive” on. “We are very satisfied with the development”, said Flick in Budapest before leaving for Germany, despite the last four 1-1 games in a row. Flick reported that all 25 players in the squad would be available against the European champions on Tuesday (June 14, 2022). Serge Gnabry missed the 1-1 draw in Hungary on Saturday due to calf problems.
Flick: “Have all the grains in it”
Against Italy “count it again, we want to have all the grains in there”said Flick, repeating his clear intention to win. “The four draws do me…”Flick broke off his sentence and then continued “…I just don’t like it because I want to win.”
Reward yourself for effort
be victories “always important for a team, always there to boost your self-confidence”said the national coach: “Elemental might be a bit of an exaggeration, but it would be nice if we were rewarded for our effort. With a win, the belief that you have good quality is a lot better too.”
“The team needs to know what their strengths are. We have great players in our ranks”, Flick explained with conviction. He didn’t push this too hard during the final training session on Monday morning, which started a quarter of an hour late. A short sweat, a game in a circle – that was it. “There’s a long season in everyone’s bones”said Flick. However, he expects his team to meet the four-time world champions in a duel “clean it all up again” will. Of course, the encounter against the European champions in Mönchengladbach, who are currently being rebuilt, will not be a sure-fire success.
What about Sané and Werner?
Flick’s dealings with his problem children Leroy Sané and Timo Werner are being watched with excitement. He again attested to the Munich Sané “Sensational potential that can really help the team”. But recently Sané seemed listless, the body tension was missing. Flick even decided not to come on in Hungary, and a clear announcement from DFB managing director Oliver Bierhoff followed: “We help him, but of course he has to help himself. In the end, you have to fight your way out of it as a player.”
That also applies to Timo Werner. The Chelsea forward, while committed, has been extremely unhappy in his recent performances. At the start of training, Flick took him aside on Monday and encouraged him. “Setbacks are for doing things better next time”said Flick.
Time is running out
He doesn’t have much time left himself. After the Italy game and the Nations League conclusion in September against Hungary and England, he has to call up his squad for the desert World Cup in Qatar (November 21 to December 18). Flick therefore wants to see further development steps, even if he is not satisfied with the progress made in his previous term of office “very satisfied” is.
The probable German formation
Neuer – Klostermann, Süle, Rüdiger, Raum – Kimmich, Gündogan – Hofmann, Müller, Musiala – Havertz