DFB analysis by Lienen: "This squad arrangement isn't showing results"
Hey Mr. Lienen, let's cut to the chase: Is Germany dealing with a Manuel Neuer dilemma?
Ewald Lienen: I've been advocating for Marc-André ter Stegen's inclusion for quite a while now. While Manuel Neuer is undoubtedly a world-class performer when he's in the game - witness his recent performance against Christos Tzolis or his match against Ukraine - his lack of consistency due to injuries has led to errors, such as before the 0:1 against Greece, and in Bayern Munich's game against Real Madrid. In March, when it seemed Germany was playing as well as Bayer Leverkusen or VfB Stuttgart, ter Stegen was in goal.
So, should we change the goalkeeper now?
Ever since, I've been advocating for this shift. And importantly, now more than ever. It's not as though we're contradicting one another. Manuel Neuer was one of the best goalkeepers in the world for years, arguably the best. However, it's time to give the others a try.
What does this imply for Germany's backline if its known that Manuel Neuer makes occasional blunders?
I don't think it's a big issue, in my opinion. The players have faith in Manuel. They should. We observed several dangerous situations against Greece that couldn't be attributed to Neuer. That's just the nature of the game, the way I perceive these counterattacks. The team isn't distrusting Manuel.
What were the issues with Greece, then?
Take Joshua Kimmich, for example. When I spotted Christos Tzolis on the pitch - top goalscorer of the 2nd Bundesliga - I knew he'd cause problems for Germany. I even told my Greek friends, what kind of super team do you have if he isn't even in the squad? He's a player who can make a difference, with his speed, his goal-threatening ability, and his ability to win the ball himself. The fast players give Kimmich as a right-back trouble. And Tzolis isn't even one of the best players at the EM. We'll have opponents like him, or even more challenging ones. He needs help from a winger in front of him, like Sane, who made contributions in critical moments.
Will Kimmich be problematic, too?
I had a different player in mind on the right wing. Kimmich is a defensive midfielder. There's a reason for that. His exceptional quality is his passing. Kimmich has supplied the most forward passes behind the opposing defense at Bayern. He's surpassed Balle on the opposite strikers Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sané, or Kingsley Coman. However, when it became apparent that Toni Kroos would be back in the DFB team, it was clear he couldn't play next to him. We saw this with Pascal Groß replacing Robert Andrich, how exposed we became. Groß is also a passer, but we didn't have any defense. If Groß, who scored a brilliant goal, is the alternative to Andrich, I can't comprehend it. There's a Leon Goretzka in ball recovery that's head and shoulders better than Andrich. A Kroos excels when a physically robust type like Andrich plays beside him, and Kimmich excels when he has offensive and defensive assistance on the wing. I have a different perspective on the system.
In March, when Germany's remarkable performances against France and the Netherlands occurred, it seemed like the players had found their roles. What's the difference now?
I truly enjoyed watching that team in March. However, it was a unique situation. The team was in a tenuous position, with few positive results before that. From the lineup to the basic setup, nothing was gelling. Then two top nations appeared, which amplified the players' awareness. And it was evident that decisions needed to be made about who would make the EM squad, with all the importance at stake. Consequently, they all acted with complete focus. They were playing for their own lives and their teams. For Germany, it was everything - but France and the Netherlands had no need to worry.
How do you feel about their preparedness for the European Championship?
Don't worry, I'm a laid-back individual, I'm entirely at ease. I only get tense when a genuinely talented team doesn't earn the victory they deserve. I didn't observe that in the first half. It's not that I'm a die-hard fan of Germany - it's more that it bothers me when an excellent team falls short. In the end, I wanted the boys to win because there were a few players on the pitch I enjoy watching.
For instance?
Leroy Sané!
Germany's recent match didn't impress me with their team lineup. Their players i.e. İlkay Gündoğ̆an, Florian Wirtz, and Jamal Musiala are perfect for playing the Tiki-Taka style of football. However, they lacked a winger which is crucial for a high pass game. Additionally, their absence of offensive full-backs made it hard for them to create chances.
In comparison, their game against France and the Netherlands in March was exceptional. Musiala played with minimal touches, similar to Wirtz and others, resulting in great actions. However, in the recent match, Musiala recorded many unproductive dribblings.
It's unclear where Leroy Sané would fit in if he returns. Could it be Gündoğ̆an who steps out?
Though Gündoğ̆an is an excellent footballer, his role as a front position player is inefficient. He is constantly under pressure, making it difficult for him to have the tempo and dribbling skills necessary to escape. We need a good winger so that defenders like Kimmich, who was subbed out, and Benjamin Henrichs can push forward, causing more pressure.
Despite Gündoğ̆an's overall abilities, he doesn't suit this formation according to me.
If Gündoğ̆an plays in a position outside, who should be the captain?
Whoever it is, it's not a big deal.
With many players able to carry the ball effectively, who should we be worried about?
We should focus on other issues, like war and climate change.
Is it going to be more challenging than anticipated for Germany in the group stage against Scotland, Hungary, and Switzerland?
You have to treat each game with the same intensity and preparedness, knowing they have talent from top leagues on their teams. Hungary and Switzerland are also known for their physical play. But winning is not only about performance, it's about mentality.
Can Germany become European champions like the fans in Mönchengladbach dreamed before the match?
Yes, it is our goal to become European champions. The title is exciting, but let's not lose sight of the real meaning behind it. The pressure of constant "best" expectations can make people uncomfortable. Even basketball players in Indonesia, who won the world championship last year, didn't have such unreasonable expectations from others. They just needed to perform and not worry about prestige.
