Ilkay Gündogan is the new captain of the German national team. National coach Hansi Flick says at Friday’s press conference that the FC Barcelona midfielder will take over from Manuel Neuer.
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“We have changed something,” Flick begins in the run-up to the practice match against Japan. “We looked at what would help the team. Usually the captain is the player with the most caps, but I decided to give Ilkay the captain’s armband. Together with Joshua Kimmich, he must now lead us.”
Neuer was captain for many years The team. The goalkeeper has been recovering from a broken leg for months. Yet it is not inconceivable that Neuer will wear the belt again in the future. “We’ll see about that by then. It is first important that Manuel gets fit,” Flick responds. The 32-year-old Gündogan sits next to the national coach and is pleased with his appointment. “The confidence of the coach and the entire team is good for me. It is an honor for me to lead this young team as captain on the field. The experience I gained last year at Manchester City also shows that I am capable of doing this. am able.”
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Gündogan has played 67 international matches so far. As the host country of the 2024 European Championship, Germany is assured of participation, which means that only practice matches will be played until the start of the final tournament. Japan is the opponent on Saturday, France on Tuesday.
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2023-09-08 11:47:23
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