The inquest continues in the aftermath of Germany’s early exit from the 2022 World Cup after Hansi Flick’s Nationalelf bowed out of the group stage in consecutive tournaments in the wake of a similar disaster four years ago in Russia.
Despite a 4-2 win against Costa Rica on the final day of play in Group E, a shock loss to Japan to open hostilities in Qatar was followed up by a draw against Spain that eventually led to Germany’s inability to overturn a five-goal difference after Spain’s big win over Los Ticos to open their campaign.
Though Flick has received the full backing of the Deutscher Fußball-Bund (DFB) after the balance of their play was deemed good enough to have otherwise advanced – Germany boasting an xG over 10 during group play supports this decision on the surface – where Die Mannschaft go from here remains to be seen and questions still remain as to whether or not Bayern Munich star Thomas Müller will be among those come Euro 2024 when Germany turn host.
But for former World Cup winner and Germany all-time caps leader Lothar Matthäus, Müller is under no pressure to retire from the international stage in favor of focusing on his club career at the Allianz Arena.
Lothar Matthäus on Müller: “Thomas Müller is at a certain age and had phases before the World Cup where he was injured. I know such phases. I can advise Thomas to fully focus on his club. He had his best time when he didn’t play for the national team for 1-2 years” [Sky] pic.twitter.com/DrHxEZoe0c
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) December 5, 2022
“Thomas Müller is at a certain age and had phases before the World Cup where he was injured. I know such phases. I can advise Thomas to fully focus on his club. He had his best time when he didn’t play for the national team for 1-2 years.” The 61-year-old legendary German figure continued; “But if he wants to continue, he should do it if Hansi Flick needs him. I don’t want to push anyone to retire, the player has to make that decision together with the coach.”
Whether or not Müller will be needed or not is worth exploring, however, with Germany hardly bereft of gifted attacking players in what remains one of the deeper talent pools anywhere in the world.
Though Germany are not in need of Das Reboot 2.0, there may need to be considerable changes made over the next two seasons where the next generation is given chances while the old guard is allowed to pass the baton still with heads held high.
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