Coach Niko Kovac from VfL Wolfsburg was disappointed, but also indulgent about the non-nomination of his two players Maximilian Arnold and Ridle Baku for the World Cup in Qatar.
“That was disappointing for both players. As a club, we expected a little more. But I said before: Hansi has the full overview. He made his decision that way,” said Kovac on Friday about the selection of National coach Hansi Flick.
“That’s annoying for us. I do believe that Max deserved it too. Well, he’s not there. Now it’s time to make the best of this situation anyway. We have another job to do tomorrow,” said Kovac with a view to the next Bundesliga game at 1899 Hoffenheim (Saturday, 3:30 p.m. / Sky).
Midfielder Arnold and right-back Baku were not included in the German World Cup squad for sporting reasons. VfL striker Lukas Nmecha is also missing because of a knee injury suffered in the 2-0 win against Borussia Dortmund.
“These are three players who are not so old that they can no longer play. In a year and a half there is another big tournament here in Germany. That must be the next big goal in terms of international careers,” said Kovac about the Wolfsburg trio.
“I was national coach myself and I know how difficult it is to choose the 26 players who can then play a big tournament for their country. It’s much easier to comment and criticize from the outside.” Kovac coached the Croatian national team from 2013 to 2015 and also led them to the 2014 World Cup.