With the World Cup just around the corner, Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Julian Weigl (27) hopes to make Hansi Flick’s 26-man squad for the tournament. Speaking in an interview with Kicker, the former Borussia Dortmund and Benfica player discussed his chances of making the Germany squad.
“I’m very excited,” said Weigl. “I’m definitely not one of the players who is seeded but if you’re on the list and you’re in the extended circle and you’ve already been invited to the national team this year, then of course you have the desire to go to the tournament.
“I very much hope to be there. After all, when I went back to the Bundesliga it was important to become more visible again in Germany, also in relation to the national team. A World Cup is something really, really big and I’d like to be part of a successful World Cup story.”
After 2.5 years in Portugal and 115 games across all competitions for Benfica, Weigl returned to Germany with Borussia Mönchengladbach. Although a return to Germany resulted in Weigl foregoing Champions League football, it’s something the defensive-midfielder doesn’t regret.
“It’s definitely not a setback,” said Weigl. “So far all of my changes have helped me progress.” On why he joined Daniel Farke at Gladbach, he added: “I want to be part of the upheaval. I’m at an age where I want to take on more responsibility with my experience. I want to play an important role. I see the opportunity to do so here.”
Weigl has already played 10 games across all competitions for Gladbach this season. Already striking a relationship alongside 21-year-old French midfielder Manu Koné, the double-pivot in midfield is already proving quite the duo. A win for Die Fohlen against Bochum and results going their way could see the Borussia-Park club move into the European places.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
