By Sebastian Karkos
1. FC Union has been in high gear for three years. And although the Irons were able to qualify for the European Cup for the third time in a row, no German professional from Köpenick has been a national player since promotion.
The current games of the national team are once again taking place without Union participation! At the end of last year, defender Robin Knoche (31) and midfielder Rani Khedira (29) were on the 55-man list of national coach Hansi Flick (58) for the World Cup in Qatar. Not more. Why is that?
Manager Oliver Ruhnert (51) already complained: “I have little understanding for our players not being nominated. It seems to me that Union has no lobby at the DFB.”
Is that really the problem? The fact is:
► There are not enough candidates! Who should the national coach really look at at Union? Knoche and Khedira were already seasoned Bundesliga players when they moved to Berlin, so their strengths are well known – and apparently not enough for the DFB. Otherwise only a few German professionals have a regular place in Köpenick. Midfielder Janik Haberer (29) swims too often, Kevin Behrens (32) could certainly be a candidate if he were younger. Accurate strikers are always needed!
► The team lacks professionals with a national team perspective! In the first three years, no Bundesliga team was older than Union. In the past season only Bochum. Talents with a German passport have a hard time at Union. Today’s national player Nico Schlotterbeck (23 / Dortmund) played on loan in Köpenick in 2021/22.
► The competition is big! Above all, Ruhnert wants Khedira at the DFB (“Rani has been playing at an incredibly high level for two years”), but in defensive midfield there is competition with Bayern Josua Kimmich (28), Leon Goretzka (28) and Dortmund’s Emre Can (29) huge. In addition, there is the Champions League winner Ilkay Gündogan (32) from Manchester City!
Conclusion: Ruhnert drums for his players. That honors him. But it is up to Union itself to let young and developing professionals play who are suitable for the DFB. Or you sign a national player…