DFB director Oliver Bierhoff expects the German national soccer team to win against Hungary in Budapest on Saturday. What is still missing is a number 1 in the storm.
The DFB selection has that “Clear goal that we get three points against Hungary”said Bierhoff in Herzogenaurach: “That’s our claim, even if we know it’s going to be difficult.” The team have “continued high ambitions”.
At the start of the Nations League, the selection of national coach Hansi Flick had played 1-1 in Bologna against Italy and in Munich against England. With a win on Saturday (June 11th, 2022), Germany could take the lead in Group 3 of League A. The group victory and the associated qualification for the final tournament in the coming year “the goal”said Bierhoff.
“Cloud” no longer there
The DFB director sees the team on the right track. the “Cloud” about the team he spoke about in November 2020 “not here anymore”Bierhoff said: “But if it were sky blue with no clouds we would have beaten England and Italy 2-0. Maybe it would be too sunny then.” He tries in his assessment “always finding a certain middle ground, I see the development”. The team will be reminded “that it can rain again and again”.
Clear number 1 in the storm is missing
The crackers against Italy and England showed the strengths of Hansi Flick’s new DFB team, but also their weaknesses. National coach Flick has long since found the axis for his first tournament as boss: Only captain Manuel Neuer, defense chief Antonio Rüdiger, midfield boss Joshua Kimmich and driver Thomas Müller played in Bologna and Munich from the start. What is missing is a clear number 1 up front.
Flick has been trying to downplay the problem since his first day in office. “We also have quality in this position”he said: “We don’t need to hide, that’s the message I like to say. We’re happy, happy, we have players who can act very flexibly.” The flexibility can “give us a great advantage”.
Werner or Havertz
His first nine option is Timo Werner, who “a bit underestimated” will. “He’s really willing to go new ways, to put the opponent under pressure, to create space in front of the defence”, praised Flick. Werner will probably no longer be a world-class goalgetter. Flick tested his Chelsea colleague Kai Havertz against England. “Kai is a gifted footballer”enthused Flick, particularly liking his development under club coach Thomas Tuchel: “He brings in physicality, goes towards the ball. It’s fun to see.”
Gnabry as an alternative
Serge Gnabry introduced himself as an alternative. As a centre-forward he always has “did a good job and a decent rate”the Munich resident found: “I think I can fill it in well, although it’s not my regular position.”
Basically, the winger pointed out, be it “helpful”to have a real nine in the team, “who draws a lot of attention and can convert the balls, even if they don’t come well, a fixed point”. Without storm tank “The game will be different, but then you can find ways”.
Surprise at the World Cup?
In Lukas Nmecha and Karim Adeyemi, Flick has called up two real center forwards, but hasn’t used a minute yet. For the World Cup, he did not rule out trying something completely new. “We’re looking at that too”, he said about Schalke’s Simon Terodde. If the second division record shooter scores regularly, “all doors and gates are open”.