World Cup 2022: Flick rules out DFB resignation – update on Sané & Klostermann

Before group final against Costa Rica

National coach Hansi Flick does not think about resigning even if he is eliminated in the preliminary round of the World Cup. “I can confirm that from my side – I don’t know what else is going to happen,” said Flick on Wednesday at the FIFA Media Center in Al-Rajjan. “I have a contract until 2024, I’m looking forward to the European Championships at home, but that’s still a long way off.” The DFB selection needs a win against Costa Rica on Thursday (8 p.m. / ARD and Magenta TV) to advance to the round of 16 to reach the finals in Qatar.

Also because of the group constellation – Germany is last with one point behind Spain (4), Japan (3) and Costa Rica (3) – he assumes “very strongly” that the Central Americans will play a defensive role. A draw could be enough for Costa Rica to advance to the knockout stage. “Of course we want to get the game clear early on to put some pressure on the other game, but we know it will be difficult against a very defensive team,” explained Flick.

Meanwhile, the coach gave Leroy Sané hopes for the first starting eleven at a World Cup finals. “He has no problems, like so many others, he’s a good option for this game.” The 26-year-old missed the opening game against Japan (1-2) in his first World Cup appearance due to a knee injury. In the following game against Spain (1-1) he came on as a substitute at Al-Bait Stadium in Al-Khour on Sunday night and performed well.

DFB team before the World Cup group final: Flick comments on Sané, Füllkrug & Klostermann

Flick reported on a difficult decision to use Sané before the Spain game. “We discussed the situation with his doctor, discussed it with his therapist, then agreed that we’re going to do it the way we did it. I think that was the right decision. That’s why we’re happy.”

Otherwise, the 57-year-old did not want to be looked at in the cards. “Nice try,” he replied when asked whether, for example, striker Niclas Füllkrug (29), who played as a joker against Spain, would play from the start. “We’ll see about that.” Only with Lukas Klostermann (26), who was present as a player at the media round, did Flick indicate a trend. “Lukas is always a good option. He has worked very hard to be able to be here. He did very well against Spain,” said Flick, praising the right-back from RB Leipzig, who was just able to demonstrate the necessary World Cup fitness after an ankle injury.

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