Serge Gnabry on his favourite position: “I prefer to play behind the striker.”

Serge Gnabry took questions from the media today as Germany prepare for Wednesday’s Group E game against Japan. The Bayern Munich forward discussed finding his form this season and playing for Hansi Flick again.

The 27-year-old played 70 games across all competitions under Flick at Bayern Munich, scoring 27 and creating 16, before Flick replaced Joachim Löw as Germany coach.

“I feel a lot of trust. I’ve known him for ages. He knows what he has in me. My favourite position? It’s well known that I prefer to play behind the striker,” said Gnabry. “Playing as a striker is also an option for me. It’s true that we’ve been together for a long time, but I have no idea who will be on the pitch on Wednesday.”

Gnabry went six Bundesliga games without scoring a goal but arrives at the World Cup in excellent form, scoring six and creating two in his last six Bundesliga games, all of which Bayern Munich won.

“Maybe you dwell on it too long if you haven’t scored a goal,” said Gnabry. “Then when you score again, you get confidence again. I hope I can continue this here.”

Defensively and in central-midfield, the Germany team largely picks itself but Flick has plentiful options in attack. Niclas Füllkrug missed the first training session in Qatar with flu but is expected to recover before Wednesday, whilst Youssoufa Moukoko (18) made his debut against Oman last week.

Kai Havertz and Gnabry are other options Flick has for the No. 9 position.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder