Bundesliga News

Flick explains decision to call up Götze, Füllkrug and Moukoko

By Rune Gjerulff   @runegjerulff

After announcing his squad for the World Cup, Germany coach Hansi Flick was asked about the returning Mario Götze and senior squad debutants Niclas Füllkrug and Youssoufa Moukoko.
Germany coach Hansi Flick has explained his decision to include Mario Götze, Niclas Füllkrug and Youssoufa Moukoko in his squad for the World Cup in Qatar.


Götze, who scored the winner in the World Cup final in 2014, has earned his first call-up since 2017 after making a strong impression for Eintracht Frankfurt so far this season.

"I can only say that Mario is totally happy to be there - and we are looking forward to seeing him," Flick said at a press conference after presenting his squad.

"We all know that Mario is a brilliant footballer, who has flashes of brilliance. You can see it in every game: he is top fit, he can play 90 minutes even three times a week."

With the likes of Timo Werner and Lukas Nmecha out with injuries, Flick opted to call up in-form Bundesliga forwards Niclas Füllkrug and Youssoufa Moukoko for the first time.

Explaining why he is taking the two strikers with him to Qatar, Flick said:


"Niclas has the momentum on his side as well, as well as the way he offers his services to the team. That's clear when you see his goals, and that's also the feedback I got from [Werder Bremen coach] Ole Werner.



"Youssoufa is simply developing well. He's quick, lively and a good finisher. You saw that again last weekend."


Related stories

Bundesliga News

Fantasy Football

Tactics Talk

Editor's picks

Profiles

Turn back time