Ahead of Germany’s game against Hungary, head coach Hansi Flick discussed the importance of the UEFA Nations League games, the possible call-up of a traditional No. 9 for the World Cup and his playing philosophy.
“We have a clear idea of how we want to play,” said Flick. “This will also be tinkered with depending on who our opponent is. It will always be the case that we adjust certain things to the opponent. It can also be true that we have players with quality in certain areas. The players know what we expect of them.”
Without a traditional No. 9 in the mould of Miroslav Klose or Mario Gomez, Flick has hinted that there could be a possible call-up for a similar type of player for the World Cup. “Given that we have three more options in the squad, the coaching team will consider what qualities and attributes we need in certain situations,” added Flick.
“It could be the case that we take players with us for a particular moment. We want to wait and see after these two games what these players have offered us.”
Flick also values the Nations League as it helps to evaluate the squad in a competitive environment. “We know that all nations are required to do the same thing. It is good that we now still have two games. Hungary are playing excellently at the moment, they are really smart tactically and give their opponents hardly any space,” said the 57-year-old.
“We have to put our attacking ideas into practice and be brave in implementing them. We have not had a lot of time to train on the pitch, so we will use both of the games to play ourselves in. We definitely want to be in the final four. It is up to us if we manage it. We are well prepared.”
Germany host Hungary on Friday before facing England at Wembley on Monday.
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