National soccer player Julian Brandt praised national coach Hansi Flick in the highest tones during the preparation for the international match against Japan and defended him in the face of the emerging criticism.
“He’s had a lot on his plate in the last few weeks and months. I think he’s doing a sensational job at the moment. He’s very clear in his speeches. I think he knows exactly what he wants, what he’s asking for. That’s how he conveys it,” said the 27-year-old Borussia Dortmund professional in Wolfsburg.
“Sure, now we’re taking a closer look at it from the outside,” said Brandt about the public focus on Flick after four games without a win and before the all-important start to the season with the home European Championship.
“In the end, what is important is what happens on Saturday and Tuesday and how you will be judged in the end,” said 42-time national player Brandt, referring to the games against World Cup shock Japan and then against World Cup runners-up France in Dortmund. The Wolfsburg Arena will be sold out with 24,247 spectators on Saturday (8:45 p.m./RTL), as the DFB announced.