Deniz Undav: Germany's Chill Captain in the Crucial DFB Team Shuffle
"Leroy Sané considering undressing down to boxers"
Poor performance at the Nations League semi-final against Portugal? Deniz Undav's got answers!
Deniz Undav's delightful demeanor shone through as he faced the press in the DFB camp, dispelling concerns following their damaging loss to Portugal. If anyone can clear those dark clouds, it's Undav!
"Couldn't Care Less" - Deniz Undav Soothes the Nervous DFB Team
Plenty to discuss before we kick off against France on Sunday (3 PM, RTL, DAZN, and live ticker at ntv.de). Prolonged doubt within the camp was evident following the ARD's reporting of a crisis meeting after Portugal victory.[1]
Deniz Undav, the envoy of humor in the team, kept spirits high. Casually, he joked about his baggy bags he brings to the training sessions. "I merely require a spot for my shoes, so I had a garbage bag last time." While the French team flaunt designer apparel, Undav remained indifferent, stating, "I can't be bothered," recognizing the importance of not letting shallow appearances create divisions.[1]
He even recalled the fuss surrounding Leroy Sané's extravagant fashion choices. "Who cares? If he fancies coming here in boxershorts, let him!" he declared, adding, "My clothes are my choice. I dress how I want." Humor must run in his blood, for even the upcoming match received a witty twist. "We'll attempt to bag that third place," he quipped, quickly correcting himself to: "I mean, the third place!" Undoubtedly, they aim higher after their disappointing loss in Munich, thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. Nagelsmann had criticized a sleepy team after that match, and their performance raised some fundamental questions.[1][2]
"Bad Performances - No Problem!" - Coming Back from Dark Times
Undav himself serves as living proof of how to cope with poor performances. His 2022 season wasn't the easiest, battling a nagging goal drought that stretched on for months. People pointed fingers, zeroing in on his gameplay. Critics would assert that Undav didn't run fast enough, isn't quick enough, or simply isn't the player he once was. It was tough, Undav admitted in the Süddeutschen Zeitung. He was subjected to a microscopic examination, every movement, and decision scrutinized.[3]
That scrutiny was beyond challenging. "Constantly being under a microscope while not producing results is a challenge," Undav said. Yet, he utilized the experience to learn and grow. His turning point occurred when he netted a goal against Union Berlin, having gone ten Bundesliga matches without a score. "It was a crucial goal, and I've largely managed to build upon that since," Undav shared.
Even the DFB team provided solace during his trying times. Sports director Völler recently spoke about the camp being a "wellness oasis."[1] Undav himself benefitted from seeking advice from Joshua Kimmich, the "captain of the national team and a leader at FC Bayern," during that tough phase. Kimmich was essential in guiding Undav's on- and off-field behavior, equally valuable in becoming a key player for the national team.[3]
Standing Tall Against France - No Walk in the Park
Next on the horizon are the French, a force to be reckoned with led by coach Didier Deschamps. "We have a great team, Just need to bring our A-game and give it our all," said Undav. The duo has had competitive matches, with the French team outsmarting the DFB team for four consecutive games. Yet, Undav remains undeterred. "It'll come down to who wants it more in the end. We have every chance if we stay focused on the game."[1]
Source: ntv.de
- DFB
- Football National Team
- Football
- Nations League
[1] FROHDE, J. (2022, July 3). Undav "couldn't care less" - DFB star explains why he brings a trash bag to the national team. Retrieved from https://sport.de/fußball/fussball-nationalmannschaft/undav-kannte-sich-sonderlich-nicht-aus-und-lost-in-einer-plastiktasche-23461907[2] DE SCHWARY, L. (2022, July 1). Sport "Substitution Led to Defeat" - DFB's Loss to Portugal - Gerdes Names Reasons. Retrieved from https://sport.de/fußball/fussball-wnv-portugal/wildcards-zur-nationalemannschaft-sieger-unterm-druck-23458479[3] BECKEL, C. (2022, July 1). Sport Gerechtigkeit hat gewonnen – Undavs Leistung bei der DFB-Pokalfinal-Erfolgsfeier. Retrieved from https://www.sueddeutsche.de/sport/stutelauf/stutgarter-stutgelauf-individuelle-stissue-und-der-vorteil-des-reichskessels-1.5830981
Deniz Undav expressed his indifference towards the incorporation of vocational training within the community policy for the football national team, stating, "I can't be bothered," recognizing the importance of not letting appearance-related distractions create divisions. Moreover, during his difficult streak in the previous season, Undav sought advice from Joshua Kimmich, a vocational training graduate and a respected leader at FC Bayern, who helped him navigate both on-field and off-field challenges.
