The DFB-Captain's Popp is ready for an unusual mission
Captain Alexandra Popp is set to replace the injured Lena Oberdorf in the German Olympic football team. How will Horst Hrubesch's team start in the Olympics? Captain Popp could move back - and then "Flitters" play up front.
Captain Alexandra Popp is ready to step in for the injured Lena Oberdorf in the German Olympic football team. "In the end, it's the coach's decision where we'll be positioned. He's certainly talked to me about the possibility of me playing in the back," said the striker from VfL Wolfsburg in Marseille about Horst Hrubesch's reaction to Oberdorf's serious injury. "It wouldn't be the first time I've played in the six position, even at a tournament."
Oberdorf sustained a cruciate ligament and meniscus injury in the last friendly match against Austria (4:0) before the Olympics and has since undergone surgery. The German women's team face Australia in their first group stage match on Thursday (19:00/ZDF, Eurosport and on ntv.de-Liveticker). The USA and Sambia are also group stage opponents.
"Ultimately, what matters is that we play successful football. If Horst feels that he'll position me at the six and then let the 'Flitters' play up front, then that's fine," explained the 33-year-old Popp, looking at the offensive trio with Lea Schüller, Klara Bühl and Jule Brand. "It's not a problem if, when I play the six, I'm also on the edge of the box, maybe even getting in a goalscoring position."
"She'll be missed here"
For Oberdorf, who switched from Wolfsburg to Bayern Munich this summer, Horst Hrubesch has nominated Janina Minge as her replacement. "She'll be missed here immensely," said the former Freiburg player about the player who is supposed to replace her.
Popp had written to Oberdorf before and after the operation. "We'll carry on for her here. She said we should enjoy it all, have fun, and bring our passion to the biggest tournament in the world on the pitch. She's given that to the team," reported Germany's "Footballer of the Year."
Popp herself was rested due to a foot inflammation in the two previous matches, which she sees as a "good decision". "I'm very satisfied, I have to say. We've been increasing the training sessions a bit in the last few days. So far, the foot is doing well," she said about her physical condition. Training and playing are two different pairs of shoes: "When I'm on the pitch, I'll give 100%."
The DFB-Women's team, led by Horst Hrubesch, will be participating in the Women's football at the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris. Horst Hrubesch is considering moving Captain Alexandra Popp from her striker position to the six position, allowing the 'Flitters' to play up front. The German women's team, without Lena Oberdorf due to injury, will face strong opponents such as Australia, USA, and Sambia in the group stage.
