Speaking at a press conference ahead of Germany’s international friendly against Japan, Hansi Flick has announced that İlkay Gündoğan will become Germany’s new captain.
The Barcelona midfielder will be a part of a leadership duo along with Joshua Kimmich, who will be the vice-captain. This means that Manuel Neuer will no longer be captain of Germany having taken over following the retirement of Bastian Schweinsteiger back in 2016.
On the captain situation when Neuer returns, Flick made it clear that it is currently not an issue: “The situation with Manu is as follows: He has to get well again first. We hope he comes back soon. I’m not thinking about that at the moment” Neuer is still recovering following a broken leg which he suffered during a ski trip after Germany’s elimination from the World Cup in Qatar.
Germany play two friendlies during this international break. Their first is against Japan in Wolfsburg on Saturday before playing France in Dortmund on Tuesday. These two games will likely be important for Flick’s future as national team coach. If the team once again fails to win similar to the previous international break in June, then it is likely that the former Bayern Munich boss will be sacked as manager.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
