Construction site of DFB team relentlessly being destroyed by Not-Red
Following a disappointing 4-1 defeat against Sweden, the German national team is facing a significant defensive challenge as they prepare for the Euro quarterfinals. The team will be without key defender Carlotta Wamser, who was sent off for a deliberate handball in the box, and injured captain Giulia Gwinn, another key right-back option.
Wamser's absence is a significant blow, as her red card was a turning point in the match against Sweden. In response, Germany is expected to make lineup changes to fill the void at right back. Coach Christian Wück may promote a player from the squad who can fulfill the defensive duties on the right flank.
Sophia Kleinherne and Franziska Kett are potential candidates to replace Wamser and Gwinn. Kleinherne is a versatile player who can also play on the right, while Kett is a left-back replacement who could potentially shift to the right. Jule Brändle and Klara Buhl are backup players who should also contribute defensively.
To compensate for the absence of both Wamser and Gwinn, Germany may adjust their defensive formation. During their match against Sweden, they attempted shifting formations at halftime by deploying Buhl and Brändle in wing-back roles, but the team lacked the necessary support and cohesion in these adjusted positions. If necessary, Germany will need to better integrate wing-backs like Buhl and Brändle to maintain defensive stability.
Coach Wück has not yet given much thought to the back three option for the quarterfinals. Kathrin Hendrich, who will be moving to the Chicago Stars in the USA after the Euros, replaced Rebecca Knaak in the back three against Sweden. Sarai Linder may shift to the right side of the defense if Franziska Ketter is allowed to play.
Despite the defensive challenges, Coach Wück does not intend to change the offensive style of the team. He brought in Sara Däbritz to stabilize the midfield in the final stages of the game against Sweden, and Sydney Lohmann was brought into midfield as a physical player. The team remains optimistic about their chances, with Giovanna Hoffmann stating that self-confidence is an inner conviction and Janina Minge stating that they know they can beat anyone.
The German team has a week to recover from the heaviest EM defeat in history and to bed in a new defense before the quarterfinals. It remains to be seen how they will fare in the knock-out stage, but one thing is for certain: they will need to strategically decide on personnel and formation to strengthen their defense against a strong opponent in the quarterfinals.
In light of the tactical challenges ahead, Coach Wück might consider incorporating vocational training for his defenders, focusing on their ability to adapt to various formations such as the back three or wing-back positions, as demonstrated by players like Kathrin Hendrich and Sarai Linder. Additionally, the European-leagues football community could provide valuable insights into potential players who excel in defensive roles, such as Sophia Kleinherne and Franziska Kett, to reinforce the team's defense before the quarterfinals.
