Hummels on return to German national team: "A bit more nervousness than expected."
peaking to the RTL microphones following yesterday's victory, German national team defender Mats Hummels spoke on what it felt like to don the German national team tricot after a break of over two years.
Recalled to the German national team for the first time since the summer 2021 Euros, Mats Hummels was immediately inserted into the starting lineup of newly appointed Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann last night. In his public statements regarding Hummels' call-up, the Bundestrainer made clear that he expected the 34-year-old to provide leadership on the pitch. In his post-match interview, the Borussia Dortmund professional indicated that this task had affected him mentally.
"A very special moment for me with a bit more nervousness than I might have expected," Hummels said when asked what it felt like to line up with the German national team after a break of 837 days, "It was a lot of fun before the game. Then [singing] the National Anthem. Then the game it was very fulfilling for me."
When it came time to analyze the DFB team's performance, Hummels was his usual detailed diagnostic self. The veteran central defender didn't shy away from pointing out the shortcomings in the squad's game.
"In the first half, the USA had a bit more space when running towards and behind the defensive line," Hummels noted, "That shouldn't be the case. We then adjusted. The key is to maintain possession. We had a few careless ball losses in the first half, but were much more secure on the ball after the break."