When the German national team last faced the Netherlands in Amsterdam back in March 2019, hansi Flick was without a job. At the time, he had stepped down from his role as sporting director at 1899 Hoffenheim a year prior. While Joachim Löw, under whom Flick had previously served as an assistant, was attempting to rebuild Germany’s football reputation, Flick found himself in a period of professional limbo. The team was still reeling from their shocking group-stage exit at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
That night in Amsterdam, Germany clinched a narrow 3-2 victory, with Nico schulz netting the decisive goal. fast forward to today, Schulz won’t be part of the squad when Germany returns to the dutch capital for their upcoming match. However, Hansi flick will be there, now at the helm of the national team. His journey to this position has been remarkable. After a stint as an assistant coach at Bayern munich, Flick took over as head coach and led the club to an unprecedented treble in 2020, cementing his reputation as one of football’s top tacticians.
Under Flick’s leadership, the German national team has seen a resurgence. With eight consecutive victories and a style of play that has won plaudits, the team’s image has been restored. yet, despite this impressive run, the upcoming World Cup qualifier against the Netherlands presents a significant challenge. The match will serve as a crucial test for Flick’s squad as thay aim to prove their readiness for the global stage.
National coach Flick commends the opposition and sets high expectations for his squad
Source: Getty Images/Alex Grimm
Following matches against less formidable teams like Liechtenstein and Armenia, the German national team faces a significant challenge under Flick’s leadership.For the first time, they must demonstrate their ability to compete against a renowned and formidable adversary, proving they can meet elevated standards. With the Qatar tournament kicking off on november 21st, there’s still ample time for planning, experimentation, and fine-tuning. though,the upcoming clash with the Dutch squad serves as a crucial early assessment of their readiness.
Flick Acknowledges the Strength of the Netherlands
“This is a team with exceptional talent and serves as a key benchmark for us,” stated the national coach ahead of their departure on Monday afternoon. “However, my goal is to secure a victory. I’ve made that clear to the team. Every win boosts our confidence and reinforces our belief in our capabilities.” The 57-year-old emphasized that they would field a thoroughly prepared team, aiming to apply pressure and capitalize on the opponent’s errors. “I’m very optimistic about our progress. We’re committed to maintaining this trajectory,” he added.
At 70 years old, Louis van Gaal is embarking on his third stint as the head coach of the Dutch national team, a role he is widely respected for in the Netherlands. His previous tenure in 2014 saw the team secure a commendable third-place finish at the World Cup in brazil, where Germany ultimately claimed the title. Current German national coach Hansi Flick has expressed admiration for van Gaal, stating, “I’ve heard numerous positive things about him. His impact on football is remarkable.” Flick also revealed that he and former coach Joachim Löw had studied van Gaal’s tactical philosophy during his time at Bayern Munich from 2009 to 2011.
One of the key talking points in dutch football circles is the goalkeeper position. With Feyenoord Rotterdam’s Justin Bijlow sidelined due to injury, SC Freiburg’s Mark Flekken stepped in for his international debut against Denmark. Despite a moment of hesitation that led to Denmark’s equalizer, van Gaal has shown confidence in Flekken’s abilities. The coach praised Flekken’s technical skills,particularly his ability to contribute to the team’s build-up play. “We need to involve him more in our attacking strategies. His footballing intelligence is a significant asset,” van Gaal remarked, highlighting the goalkeeper’s potential to influence the game beyond traditional shot-stopping duties.
His ability to unlock the game ensures that we can continue enjoying football at its finest.
Germany’s Strongest Lineup Takes Shape
When it comes to the goalkeeper position, Hansi Flick has little to worry about. However, the same cannot be said for other areas of the team.
How will Germany’s defense, anchored by Manuel Neuer in goal and Antonio Rüdiger in central defense, handle high-pressure situations from opponents? What happens when the opposition disrupts their creative flow? The attacking unit must also step up, as their performance against Israel revealed several weaknesses. Numerous misplaced passes went unpunished, but such errors could prove costly against stronger teams.The attack lacked sharpness and precision, particularly in finishing chances. The central forward position remains the most pressing concern.
Timo Werner managed to find the net against Israel, but it came from a set-piece. Following his injury and a bout with illness,it’s evident that he’s still regaining his rhythm. At Chelsea,Werner has been relegated to a bench role,with Kai Havertz often preferred as the central striker. Havertz’s versatility and recent performances have earned him praise, with many experts now viewing him as a more reliable option for the national team. His role mirrors that of Miroslav Klose, the legendary German striker who was known for his clinical finishing.
Will Havertz and werner Switch Roles?
In the upcoming match in Amsterdam, both Chelsea stars are likely to feature in the starting lineup. There’s speculation that their positions could be swapped, with Havertz taking on a more advanced role while Werner operates in a supporting capacity. This tactical adjustment could provide the spark germany needs to overcome their attacking struggles.
just swapping positions. Havertz could move forward, Werner could come on the right. Leroy Sané and Thomas Müller, who came on at the weekend, will also start.
Hosted by Byohosting - Most Recommended Web Hosting - for complains, abuse, advertising contact: o f f i c e @byohosting.com