Berlin: After a disastrous World Cup four years ago as defending champions, Germany are going to Qatar with a new coach at a major tournament for the first time since 2008.
Few know what to expect from the four-time champions, and Hansi Flick’s record since taking over as coach from Joachim Loew in 2021 offers little optimism.
Germany have won only one of their last seven games — a flattering 5-2 victory over a weakened Italy — while many of the team’s problems were highlighted in a loss to Hungary at home and a fortunate 3-3 draw in England.
Against Hungary, the Germans had plenty of possession but struggled to create good chances against a hard-working defence. And against England, the team collapsed after taking a two-goal lead and was grateful in the end to Kai Havertz for rescuing the draw with an 87th-minute equaliser.
In Group E at the World Cup, Germany will face Spain, Japan and Costa Rica. All three can take encouragement from noting that the Germans have conceded in each of their last seven games under Flick.
Germany will play Oman in a warm-up match on November 16, but the game in Muscat is primarily to get the players acclimated to the conditions ahead of the tournament in Qatar.
Flick’s reboot
Flick enjoyed a trophy-laden stint at Bayern Munich and was supposed to usher in a new era for Germany following the disappointing end to Loew’s reign at last year’s European Championship. Loew’s 16-year tenure ended with a 2-0 loss to England in the second round of the pandemic-delayed Euro 2020 tournament.
Some argued it should have ended before. Loew’s high point was leading Germany to the World Cup title in Brazil in 2014, but it was followed by the low point four years later when the defending champions were eliminated in the group stage after losing to South Korea at the tournament in Russia.
Although Flick started with eight wins, including in World Cup qualifying, they came against countries like Armenia, Lichtenstein, North Macedonia and Iceland — teams Germany would have been expected to beat.
So far, there’s little sign that Flick has in any way improved the team he inherited. Loew had already abandoned his planned shakeup of the squad following the last World Cup. He recalled Thomas Muller and Mats Hummels for Euro 2020.
Muller remains a key player for Flick, but Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has retired, forcing the initiative on Bayern duo Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka, with Ilkay Gundogan another option.
Goals needed
Germany have problems in attack, where Timo Werner’s unsuccessful spell at Chelsea appears to have had a lasting effect even after his switch to Leipzig. The 26-year-old Werner was urged to “shoot more” by Leipzig coach Marco Rose.
Flick will need find similar means of persuasion for a forward that goes too often without scoring for Germany.
Such is the dearth of out-and-out forwards for Germany that there are calls to bring Werder Bremen striker Niclas Fullkrug into the squad for Qatar. The 29-year-old Fullkrug was co-top scorer in the Bundesliga with eight goals in 11 matches, having scored 19 in the second division last season. Fullkrug also combines well with his Bremen teammates, suggesting he could adapt quickly to the national team.
One positive for Germany from recent games has been the form of 19-year-old Bayern forward Jamal Musiala, who has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in European football. Musiala, who could also have played for England, brings an unpredictable element to Germany’s game.
