"Post-Crisis Summit: Stress Test for Women's National Team of Germany in Final Matches"
German Women's National Team Faces Mood Test Against Netherlands Before EM
After encountering communication problems and internal discord, the upcoming Nations League clash with the Netherlands serves as a gauge for the national coach and the German women's team, as they prepare for the European Championships.
Lena Oberdorf displayed her skill, Laura Freigang laughed it off, and Christian Wück scrutinized intently. However, the truly significant test lies ahead: securing a victory in the penultimate EM test against the Netherlands would indicate that the turmoil has subsided.
"We aim to reach the final four and view this game as a rehearsal," said Wück ahead of the match on Friday at 8:30 PM CEST on ZDF. A home win before over 30,000 spectators at the Bremer Weser Stadium wouldn't only ensure a group victory early but also provide relief precisely five weeks before the title pursuit in Switzerland.
Laura Freigang expressed that the "elephant in the room," caused by sidelined players publicly criticizing the national coach's lack of communication, has been addressed. The priority, Freigang highlighted, is "to establish the best possible communication."
A storm brewed over the non-selection of Felicitas Rauch, who expressed dismay on Instagram due to a lack of communication and asked for transparency. Notably, former captain Alexandra Popp and several current and former national players sympathized with Rauch's post.
Nicole Anyomi, Bundesliga top scorer from Eintracht Frankfurt, also publicly criticized the lack of direct exchange with Wück. The ongoing communication surrounding Oberdorf, who was reportedly unable to participate in the Nations League, added to the controversy. While Wück stated that Oberdorf was fit to play despite a lack of match practice, Oberdorf revealed that she was not permitted to play in the Nations League.
Freigang attempted to show understanding for the novice national coach, who took over from Horst Hrubesch following the Olympics last summer. Wück, Freigang stated, is "new to this and probably still needs to find his way. We must also be able to understand him in a certain way."
Despite the surrounding noise, the team's ultimate goal is to win against the Netherlands after their 2:2 draw in the first leg and the inconsistent performances. With this achievement, Wück might experiment four days later against Austria in Vienna.
Sjoeke Nüsken, midfielder from FC Chelsea, echoed this sentiment. "Everyone hopes to get playing time to prove themselves and potentially secure a spot in the EM team," said Nüsken. "There is definitely a certain tension."
Rebecca Knaak, of Manchester City, is vying for a position in the Euro Championship's defensive midfield. Knaak stated, "Every player is naturally here for their own goals," but quickly added, "However, we all agree that team success takes priority."
Sources:[1] sid.de, [2] dfb.de, [3] futboll.no
The German women's team, with their eyes set on the European Championships, will use their Nations League clash against the Netherlands as a barometer for communication improvement before the tournament. In the premier league, Rebecca Knaak, competing for a defensive midfield spot in the Euro Championship, emphasizes the importance of both personal and team success.
