Hansi Flick has decided against Mats Hummels for the world championship. There were apparently two different reasons for this at the DFB.
The decision not to take Mats Hummels to the World Cup despite good form and fitness will not have been easy for Hansi Flick. Nevertheless, there were ultimately several arguments that spoke in favor of the BVB defender not being nominated.
When the German national team starts the first group game of the World Cup in a week, the fans will primarily look at the defensive line in the first line-up. While there are clear starting eleven candidates on the offensive, the composition of the defense remains a mystery in comparison.
However, one thing is clear: Mats Hummels will not be phased out for the DFB selection. Hansi Flick has decided not to take Dortmund with him to Qatar.
This decision caused a lot of surprise and criticism. Especially since the national coach himself had attested to an “excellent form” along with a very good level of fitness. Accordingly, there must have been really good reasons for sticking with the non-nomination.
Tactics and public criticism: That’s why Flick decided against Hummels
And these reasons are now reported by the sports picture. Apparently they can be divided into two aspects: one is about the tactical approach – and one is about the internal mood.
The fact that Hummels has conjured up some very good games on the floor was very well noticed by the DFB. However, a more detailed analysis should have drawn a differentiated picture. These good performances occurred in particular when BVB defended deeply. The two duels are mentioned as an example.
The defensive line was low, so that the 33-year-old could act in the best environment for him.
The sticking point: Flick plays with a high defensive line. It’s about active, aggressive, forward-looking defending. Hummels would therefore have had to take on a role that he was much less suited to and in which he too often did not cut a particularly good figure.
In addition to the sporting aspect, there was also the feeling that Hummels could cause some internal displeasure with his public statements, in which he often expressed clear criticism. Something that you definitely want to avoid in such a tournament in terms of team spirit.
Of the sports picture According to Oliver Bierhoff, BVB is said to have warned early on that such statements are viewed critically. A warning that either didn’t get through to the defender or ultimately didn’t matter to him.
Already at the 2018 World Cup, Hummels “cause a grumbling in the team” with his statements. A factor that the DFB leadership did not want to risk again.
Ultimately, these two factors led to the phone call with Flick, which was quite short but very disappointing for the Dortmunder. It is said that the cancellation of Hummels and other players who were not nominated was very difficult for the national coach.
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This article was originally published on 90min.de as.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
