Flick explains decision to replace Schlotterbeck and Havertz with Kehrer and Goretzka

Germany coach Hansi Flick has explained his decision to take Nico Schlotterbeck and Kai Havertz out of his starting eleven and replace them with Thilo Kehrer and Leon Goretzka against Spain tonight.

Germany coach Hansi Flick has made two changes to the team that lost 1-2 against Japan, with Thilo Kehrer and Leon Goretzka starting against Spain tonight at the expense of Nico Schlotterbeck and Kai Havertz.
In a pre-match interview with ZDF, Flick explained the changes.

“Thilo has made a good impression, so his inclusion was obvious. In midfield, we hope to have a bit more stability. ‘Jo’ Kimmich and Leon Goretzka are used to playing together there at at Bayern Munich. Hopefully, we can really put pressure on our opponent,” Flick said.

Gündogan, meanwhile, will operate a little further forward, with Thomas Müller playing up top.

“Everyone has to show that they are ready to go into one-on-one situations,” Flick demanded:

“We all went here with anticipation because these are exactly the games you want as a footballer. We want to show what a good team we are.”

He added that the players are “very focused”.

“We know what today is all about.”

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