Flick praises Füllkrug after win over Oman
Hansi Flick was impressed with what he saw from Niclas Füllkrug in yesterday's 1-0 win over Oman.
"Our performance was better in the second half. Niclas Füllkrug deserved his goal, you could see the effect he had on the game with his presence," Flick said after the game.
Asked if Füllkrug could start against Japan in Germany's first World Cup game on Wednesday, Flick responded:
"I told the team you have to show that you are ready for the World Cup, and he showed that. He was very present, did a good job and scored a goal. But we still have a few days to decide. I don't want to reveal too much."
Füllkrug replaced another debutant – 17-year-old Youssoufa Moukoko – at half-time. Evaluating the youngster's performance, Flick said:
"I wasn't really satisfied with the first half overall. But you also need players around you who make things happen. He's young, he'll be 18 in the next few days. I'm really happy with the way he's giving everything in training, everything's wonderful. Give him the time he needs. We want to support him."