The German national team has fallen from glory since their triumph at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. After failing to escape the group stage in back to back World Cups in 2018 and 2022, the pressure
is on to deliver in 2026.
The players haven’t escaped strong scrutiny from the media, some of which Germany captain, Joshua Kimmich, had to answer to following his side’s 4-0 battering of Luxembourg. This time, it was former World Cup winner, Matthias Sammer, scrutinising Germany’s lack of a system.
“I did think that immediately before and after the EUROS, what made us strong is that we functioned very well as a team,” defended Kimmich (via @iMiaSanMia). “We didn’t always play consistently well, but we were very stable. Not in terms of a solid foundation, but in terms of the way we performed together on the pitch. We haven’t reached that level recently. But to be honest, we had teams before and after the EUROs with Leverkusen, Frankfurt, and also Bayern, where many players were in form and recommended themselves for the national team. We need teams like that. That might sound a bit strange as an FC Bayern player. For example, I often cross my fingers for Frankfurt or Dortmund when they play. It’s important for us as a national team that they perform, as they have some players who are potential candidates for us [national team]. We Bayern players are in very good form right now, and Dortmund also seem very stable at the moment. Well-performing clubs serve as the foundation for a strong national team.”
The 30-year-old midfielder also caught a few stray shots from Felix and Toni Kroos, criticising the quality of the players in the national team.
“Believe me, we players are very self-critical. We know when we’re playing well or badly. As a team, you can’t always influence the result, but you can influence the way you achieve success. We have to work on that. And as for the criticism, we have to deal with it,” said Kimmich.
Germany are already under pressure for the World Cup and the tournament hasn’t even started yet. That tells you everything you need to know about the need for a strong showing at next year’s tournament.
