Hansi Flick clearly criticized national player Niklas Süle and accused Dortmund of not making the most of his opportunities.
“For me, Niki could be one of the best central defenders there is. His potential is huge,” said the national coach of the “FAZ”. “But I think he still leaves a lot.”
Flick will not play the 27-year-old in the upcoming international matches against Ukraine on June 12 in Bremen, four days later in Poland and on June 20 against Colombia in Gelsenkirchen. “I want him to take a step forward with his attitude and mentality,” he said of his former Bayern protégé.
He doesn’t let anything come to another former player from Munich’s times. As a defensive midfielder, Joshua Kimmich offers “exactly what we need in this position,” he said, attacking his critics: “Half a year ago Jo was a world-class six, and now we’re questioning him?”
Flick wants to “develop stability”
In the international three-pack, Flick wants to test a three-man chain with “a six in front”, which he does not want to be misunderstood as a defensive system. His eleven will “always have at least six players who primarily think offensively,” promised the 58-year-old.
With a view to the home EM 2024, it is important “that we now quickly develop stability,” emphasized the national coach. It is important to think “more result-oriented”.
Flick wants to “continue” the path that started in March with young players. “A certain stability in terms of personnel is needed before the EURO, but if we’re not satisfied, we have to try out alternatives.”