At the World Cup in Qatar on Wednesday (November 23, 2022) the DFB team will start their mission to become the fifth World Cup star against Japan. National coach Hansi Flick makes it clear: “That’s what you’re here for.” As always, Flick kept a low profile when it came to the line-up, Joshua Kimmich was much more talkative.
One day before the opening game against Japan (November 23, 2022, 2 p.m., live on Erste), Hansi Flick and Joshua Kimmich would have loved to talk mainly about sport, but the dominant topic was the most controversial World Cup of all time and the “One Love” FIFA ban.
Focus on the sporty
Flick reported that the DFB professionals reacted “shocked” to the ban on the colorful captain’s armband. However, this should not have an impact on sporting success. “I really focus on what I’m there for: football,” said national coach Flick on Tuesday. “We can’t help it where the World Cup takes place,” added Kimmich on the matchday PK. The team knows very well that they must also demonstrate moral values in Qatar. But it is important to do the balancing act and to focus on the sporty now. “I was 15 when the World Cup was awarded and now I always have to speak up about it. I don’t know if that’s justified.” He has the feeling that one is being persuaded that one should not be happy.
Kimmich speaks of childhood dreams
But that’s exactly what Kimmich wants, after all, “a huge childhood dream comes true”. Four and a half years after the debacle in Russia with the resounding exit from the preliminary round, the Bayern professional showed himself confident of victory before the opening match against Japan. “I am convinced that we will win.”
The last major events have shown how important the start is. At the 2018 World Cup, Germany started the tournament with a defeat, and the start at EURO 2020 was also lost. It shouldn’t happen a third time. “We are ready and prepared,” said Flick and almost got enthusiastic when he spoke about the last training sessions. “That was really good. We were more than satisfied, but we also know that our group is very strong.”
Flick hopes for Sane’s return against Spain
The only disruptive factor was the injury of offensive artist Leroy Sané. Flick called the failure of the Bayern star “bitter because he is a difference player and can turn a game on his own with his qualities”. But there is hope that he can play against Spain on Sunday.
Kimmich – “Thomas will certainly show quality tomorrow”
And who will play against Japan instead of the dribbling strong Sané? One option would be Thomas Müller. As always, Flick walled off when asked about the starting eleven, but at least he was able to elicit that “Thomas is really an option. He did a very good job in training. We were very happy with him.” Maybe Kimmich already knew more, at least the answer to the question of whether his teammate was one hundred percent fit again indicated that. Kimmich dry: “As I observed Thomas, he has prepared very well. We all know what kind of quality he has. He will certainly show that tomorrow.”
Flick is a fan of Japanese football
The Germans will need a top performance against the technically and tactically well-trained Japanese. Flick, who comes out as a fan of Japanese football, knows that “every player has to push their limits”. Japan will not be underestimated: “We are on guard.”
Flick can write history
If the DFB team actually wins the World Cup, Hansi Flick would follow in the footsteps of Jupp Derwall. The football coach, who died in 2007, promptly became European champion in his first tournament as head coach. That was in 1980. In 2022, Flick could go one better with the title “World Champion”.