German coach changed phone number after World Cup 2022
At the 2022 World Cup, Germany lost 1-2 days to Japan and then drew 1-1 with Spain in the next round. The 4-2 victory over Costa Rica in the last round was not enough for Flick's teachers and students to correct their mistakes. Germany finished the group stage in third place with four points, equal to Spain's second place, but lost on goal difference (+1 vs +6). In addition to professional issues, Germany also caused controversy when the whole team put their hands over their mouths when taking souvenir photos before the match.
The German Football Federation (DFB) must hold an emergency meeting to handle the crisis after the tournament in Qatar. Technical director Olivier Bierhoff had to resign two years early, but Flick was still trusted and took on the task of helping Germany win Euro 2024 - the tournament held at home.
Despite being guaranteed the future by the DFB, Flick is still under a lot of pressure and criticism from the media and fans. The 58-year-old coach revealed that he had to change his phone number to avoid receiving negative calls and messages from fans. "Honestly, that decision was really cool and liberating," he told SZ.
According to Flick, avoiding looking at his phone, limiting reading the news, practicing yoga and spending time with relatives and family are other "good remedies" that have helped him relieve pressure over the past time. "Baking apple pie with your grandchildren, you forget all your troubles," he added.
On March 20, the German team gathered at Frankfurt's stadium in Brentanobad in front of about 3500 fans, to prepare for two friendlies against Peru on March 25 and Belgium on March 28. In the first gathering after the defeat at the 2022 World Cup, Flick's teachers and students were greeted with applause. In addition to the goal of helping Germany regain its form, Flick also wants to regain the trust of the fans.
"The 2022 World Cup doesn't give us motivation. So sometimes it's necessary to be a little humble," added Flick. "Of course, success cannot be guaranteed. Even without qualifying, we will still prepare professionally for Euro 2024, and then see what happens."
Flick confirmed Jamal Musiala with a hamstring injury could not join the German team, and admitted it was difficult to choose between two Bayern stars Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane. "We had to choose, and decided with Gnabry," he said. "The important thing is that the players not only train but also play. Those who are not called up have to train well and be ready. We want to see who has the potential to attend Euro 2024. If we take the players who have contributed. At the 2022 World Cup, I won't gain anything new."
This time's call-up list of Germany is absent 11 of the 26 players who have attended the 2022 World Cup, and there are five players who have never played for Germany, including Josha Vagnoman (Stuttgart), Marius Wolf (Dortmund), Mergim Berisha (Augsburg). ), Kevin Schade (Freiburg) and Felix Nmecha (Wolfsburg). "Our mission was to find alternatives and expand the team," explains Flick.
Flick used to be Joachim Low's assistant in the 2014 World Cup-winning coaching staff for Germany. He resonated in two seasons leading Bayern, including winning six titles in the 2019-2020 season, including the Bundesliga, the National Cup. Germany, Champions League, German Super Cup, European Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
After Low left in the summer of 2021, Flick was appointed as a replacement, and with the German team easily qualified to win the first ticket in Europe for the 2022 World Cup. However, in Qatar, they only ranked third in Group E and was eliminated.
