Clear words from a former derby hero of FC Schalke 04: Naldo sharply criticized the non-nomination of BVB defense chief Mats Hummels after the preliminary round of the German national team at the 2022 World Cup.
“The defense was overwhelmed. For me it was very surprising and a mistake that Mats Hummels was not there. He could have helped the young players with his experience,” said the Brazilian in an interview “Sky”.
National coach Hansi Flick had not nominated Hummels for the finals in Qatar despite strong performances in the BVB jersey.
Ultimately, the five goals conceded in the three group games against Japan (1-2), Spain (1-1) and Costa Rica (2-4) cost the DFB team progress.
“Germany have always been strong as a team”
“Germany was always strong as a team, but I didn’t see any cohesion on the pitch. The players weren’t 100 percent focused, the mentality, the will and the conviction to be able to beat anyone were missing,” said Naldo, who also lack of passion in the German team.
The long-time Bundesliga professional gave a lot of praise to a youngster from FC Bayern. “Jamal Musiala was the best German player at the World Cup. He tried everything, but he can’t do it alone, everyone has to play their part,” said Naldo.
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He added: “Germany has been a role model in terms of passion and mentality for years. The situation has changed.”
The DFB-Elf must now also look at the Brazilians “and show will and passion again,” demanded Naldo.
World title in Qatar? “Brazil are playing very, very well”
For the four-time world champion, it is time “to reflect on these strengths again if you want to be successful at the European Championships at home in two years and at the next World Cup in four years”.
The Selecao believes Naldo can win the title in Qatar. “Brazil are playing very, very well at the moment. They have found a good balance between attacking and defending, the cohesion within the team and the mentality of the players are also much better than at the last World Cup in Russia,” said the former central defender Played for Schalke from 2016 to early 2019 and before that also for Werder Bremen and VfL Wolfsburg in Germany.
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