After years of failure, the German national team wants to start a new era.
In the first squad since the embarrassing end of the World Cup in Qatar at the beginning of December, national coach Hansi Flick has caused numerous surprises.
The biggest is the non-nomination of Leroy Sane. At the age of 27, the winger has already played 50 international matches for the DFB. Due to recent fluctuating performances, the former Bayern coach will not play Sane in the friendlies against Peru (25.3) and Belgium (28.3).
Flick announced at the beginning of the week that teammate Thomas Müller would not be in the squad. The 58-year-old wants to use the games to give young players a chance to prove themselves (Read more>>>). Ilkay Gündogan will also not be present at the course by arrangement. The Manchester City player is expecting a child with his wife.
Flick nominates five debutants
For Germany, the two friendlies are the starting signal for preparations for the 2024 European Championships at home in around 15 months.
Another surprise concerns the defensive. Despite his fixed place in Borussia Dortmund’s back four, Niklas Süle, unlike his teammate Nico Schlotterbeck, is not nominated for the 24-man squad. In addition, Real Madrid defender Antonio Ruediger will not be included in the March course.
Only 15 players remain from the 26-strong World Cup squad. A total of five players are celebrating their debut in the German national team. Josha Vagnoman, Marius Wolf, ex-Salzburger Mergim Berisha, Kevin Schade and Felix Nmecha are called up for the first time.
Men’s head coach Hansi Flick has announced his squad for the upcoming international games 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/6FuoUXiOac
— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) March 17, 2023
