Steffen Freund was recently asked about a variety topics in an interview with Leo Vegas, including his thoughts on the German national team’s striker situation and its chances to win the World Cup.
Freund’s statements echo many of the concerns fans have had of late regarding the makeup of the team.
“In 2002, before the World Cup in South Korea and Japan, I said, ‘No, Germany can’t win the World Cup’ and then we went all the way to the final. So maybe I should say it again: ‘Germany can’t win the World Cup’ because
who knows — it might just help! But now, seriously, why do I say that? Let me explain. After Germany’s loss to Turkey recently, I’m sure even Nagelsmann now realizes that we are not ready to win the World Cup yet. He may have said after the Spain loss in the Euros that they’d be ready with two more years. But I think now, he wouldn’t say that again. Germany can always be dangerous — if we have individual quality in every position. That’s key,” Freund told Leo Vegas. “So, why can’t Germany win the World Cup right now? We no longer have home advantage, like we did at the EUROs. Now we travel to America, Mexico, and Canada — and that’s a big factor. We’ll face difficult climates, long travel, and unfamiliar conditions.
“So, from a basic setup, it’s already harder. Then there’s the striker issue, which you’re absolutely right about. Right now, we don’t have a top striker who’s taken charge of the No. 9 role. But let me flip it. If players like (Kai) Havertz, (Jamal) Musiala, Florian Wirtz, Timo Werner, Niclas Füllkrug, Youssoufa Moukoko, Leroy Sané, and Serge Gnabry are healthy and performing, then yes, we have options. We could play with a real number 9 and build a team capable of winning but at this moment, no. We’re struggling in that position.“
Freund also thinks Germany has an issue at both outside-back positions.
“Other areas of concern are fullbacks. On the left: We have (Maximilian) Mittelstädt and David Raum — decent, but not elite. Joshua Kimmich has also been used at right-back, and in that role, he’s international class. In midfield, If Kimmich and Emre Can are both fit, that’s solid but again, depth is a concern while in defense if (Antonio) Rüdiger or Jonathan Tah are injured, we lack top-class replacements. We also no longer have a world-class No. 1 like Manuel Neuer. (Oliver) Baumann and (Marc-André) Ter Stegen are good but not Neuer-level,” Freund said.
So…what can Germany do? Freund thinks it is all step-by-step.
“Germany must focus step by step now on qualification. Next up is Northern Ireland — and that will be a tough match, similar to the Slovakia game. If we don’t win that, and Slovakia win all their games (except against Germany), then we could finish second and go into the playoffs and then anything can happen. You could face Turkey or another dangerous team, and get knocked out. So even qualification isn’t a guarantee yet,” Freund said. “Right now, I’m saying Germany cannot win the World Cup. Too many things are missing — especially depth, world-class players in key positions, and consistency. But, and this is important, if everything comes together and all of the players are fit, all players are in form, there’s no major injuries and (Julian) Nagelsmann finds the right system then yes — Germany becomes a very tough opponent, for anyone.”
Bayern Munich coasted into this international break with a 3-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt and immediately (and rightfully) hit Oktoberfest before the squad breaks up for a week-and-a-half for another international break.
It feels like a good time to appreciate these good times and examine why it all has come together under Vincent Kompany so far this season. This is what we have on tap for this episode of the Bavarian Podcast Works Show:
- Winning — and some personnel moves — have cured all at Bayern Munich. The winning formula is more complicated than that, but let’s explore why things are going so well and how to keep them moving in that direction.
- Some Bayern players need a break. It is a new world for several player and a tough adjustment, but it could be the difference between winning the Champions League and flaming out early.
- What’s wrong with Florian Wirtz? The former Bayern Munich transfer target got benched at Liverpool, proving again that fit is sometime more important than finances in a footballer’s career.
- Manuel Neuer to get a new deal? Bayern Munich might just be kicking it around.
Also, be sure to stay tuned to Bavarian Podcast Works for all of your up to date coverage on Bayern Munich and Germany. Check us out on Patreon and follow us on Twitter @BavarianFBWorks, @BavarianPodcast @TheBarrelBlog, @BFWCyler, @2012nonexistent, @TommyAdams71 and more.
