National coach Hansi Flick surprisingly appointed Ilkay Gündogan as captain nine months before the home European Championship.
Flick announced this before the international match against Japan on Saturday (September 9th, 2023, 8:45 p.m.) in Wolfsburg. Gündogan will form a “leadership duo” together with Joshua Kimmich. “This gives us new energy that we can use”said Flick.
Gündogan: “I’m happy about the trust”
“I’m happy about the trust. It’s a great honor for me to be able to lead this young team onto the pitch.”said Gündogan, who is aware of “the responsibility”.
In the squad for the game against Japan, Thomas Müller (121) and Kimmich (79) have played more international matches than Gündogan (67). The new captain did not want to share the criticism that he was not able to demonstrate his top performances, especially at his last club Manchester City, with the national team.
Gündogan: “I also played good international games”
“I think I’ve played some good international matches in the recent past too.” For him, it is crucial that more dynamism comes back into the game of the A team. “If we manage to get used to it, it will also benefit my game,” said Gündogan.
Before his serious injury, Manuel Neuer was DFB captain. The national coach left it open whether the national goalkeeper would get the armband back if he returned. “Manu has to get healthy first. We hope that he comes back soon. But that is a matter of the future,” said Flick.