After the opening defeat against Japan, Germany is under enormous pressure at the 2022 World Cup. Record national player Lothar Matthäus renewed his criticism of national coach Hansi Flick before the duel with Spain and defended Ilkay Gündogan for his clear interview statements.
He is a “great friend” of national coach Hansi Flick “and also his big fan,” revealed Matthäus in the video column “Lothar geht los!” at “picture“. Flick already “occupied one or the other position that you can discuss, have to discuss,” criticized the 61-year-old: “He let people play in positions that they don’t necessarily love. They were players who ultimately weren’t 100 percent fit.”
Against Japan, Germany had a “great chance” to take a step towards the round of 16, said Matthäus: “That’s why I was surprised by a few decisions in his starting XI.”
Matthäus would bench Schlotterbeck
It was “at least about second place,” he emphasized: “For me, the game against Japan was much more important than against Spain. If you get through second, you have at least reached one milestone. Now you have the opponent who is in the ranking behind you in this group.”
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Before the top game in Group E against Spain on Sunday evening (8:00 p.m.), Matthäus would put BVB defender Nico Schlotterbeck on the bench. Instead, Niklas Süle should move into the center of defense from the right side.
“It’s a big game against Spain. Experience is a must,” explained Matthäus: “Süle played in the wrong position. Dortmund against VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga isn’t the World Cup. Other things are needed there.”
In addition to Süle, Antonio Rüdiger from Real Madrid is to defend. “Rüdiger was the best man against Japan for me. He showed personality and what I missed in some other players,” affirmed Matthäus.
Matthew names the “big problem” of the national team
As the “big problem” of the German team, the record national player makes the external defense. “Günter and Kehrer are two players I can rely on. They know the position, they also hold the defensive position in the back four, as I expect from a full-back,” said Matthäus.
In midfield, Matthäus would let Bayern stars Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka play next to each other and Ilkay Gündogan “further up front”. “We have to play compact. We have to be sure of the ball, combine and be aggressive against the Spaniards,” said Matthäus: “They can all combine with the ball and are well coordinated.”
Up front, Matthäus gave Werder striker Niclas Füllkrug preference over Chelsea star Kai Havertz. “He’s not afraid. With him we have a target player in the opposing penalty area. One who knows the running paths and can score goals with a header when we come from the outside,” Matthäus said.
Matthäus defends DFB star Gündogan
Meanwhile, the loud criticism from Ilkay Gündogan after the Japan game was not seen by Matthäus as a sign of quarrels in the DFB team.
“We used to step on the gas in front of the camera too. The disappointment has to go,” said Matthäus and made it clear: “Of course we defended poorly. Both goals were avoidable.”
Gündogan “said something that ultimately corresponded to the facts,” said Matthäus: “That’s why it’s right if a player like Gündogan also addresses these mistakes. Nobody should feel personally stepped on, but should get out of this criticism learn his lessons.”
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