Sinsheim (AP) – National soccer player Julian Draxler is thinking about changing clubs this summer with a view to his World Cup chance.
“I need to have more game practice towards the World Cup. You’ll see what happens in the summer. I have to play more than this season,” said the 28-year-old Paris Saint-Germain offensive player after his international comeback in a 2-0 win over Israel .
“It felt good to be back on the pitch for 90 minutes,” said Draxler after his 57th international match. National coach Hansi Flick “did not clearly demand a change” in conversation with him. On the other hand, the “message” from the national coach to the entire team was “clear” that he needed fit players for the World Cup. Draxler’s contract in Paris runs until 2024.
Flick is reluctant to give advice
Flick does not want to publicly put any pressure on World Cup candidates with short seasons in the club. “I’m far from giving players advice on whether they should change clubs or not,” said the national coach in the press conference after the game in Sinsheim, when asked about the situation of Draxler and striker Timo Werner at Chelsea.
“Every player has to take responsibility for himself and learn to assess his situation. He has to know what is best for his future,” explained Flick. “If players want advice, I’m happy to be there for them. The situation that both of them are in is currently not one that is satisfactory.” But Werner had been out for a long time and had repeatedly suffered setbacks. Draxler, on the other hand, has it “not that easy” at PSG in his position.
The 26-year-old Werner is tied to the club until 2025. “Sure, things aren’t going the way I’d like at Chelsea,” said the striker, who scored the 2-0 goal against Israel.