The German football national team meets the annual financial statements in the World Cup qualification on Liechtenstein and Armenia. Now national coach Hans Flick has evicted his expectations and praised the merits of his predecessor Joachim Löw in the highest tones.

Lord, Flick Julian Brandt and Julian Dealer stand for the first time since autumn 2020 in the squad. What caused them to the nomination?

Hans Flick (56, national coach): Julian Brandt has taken a good development in recent weeks. We wanted to see him and Julian Dealer for the annual financial statements and before the start to the World Cup year again in the circle of the team. Both have footballing a tremendous quality that can help us.

Lukas Mecca is new. What do you like about him?

He has a good presence in the penalty area. He always does the runs in the depths and rests and the ball well. We can use these skills well. Of course, Jonathan Burkhart was also a topic because he was well-developed in Mainz. But he is a captain of the U21 and very important for the team on the way to the European Championship.

With 27 players the squad is very big. Will you spare some professionals after the home game against Liechtenstein and do not take to Armenia?

These are things we can decide against Liechtenstein after the game against Liechtenstein.

The World Cup ticket is already solved. What do you expect from the games?

We want to say goodbye to ourselves from the year. I expect the team that they are just as passionate and actively performing as in the games before. You should recognize our idea of ​​football. We did our homework. Now we want to take another step forward.

Mats Hummels lacks again in the bid. Is that owed his knee problem or do not you plan with it anymore?

No. I am with Mats in close exchange. As he says himself, he is not at 100 percent. It will do him well to use this international pause to become even fitter. We have tuned so together.

Joachim Löw will be passed before the game in Wolfsburg. What has awarded him as a national coach?

He gave an idea to German football, which has experienced a lot of recognition over the years worldwide. He has been the architect. Furthermore, he is the best national coach we had. We want to say goodbye to him with a football festival. He deserves that.

What did you look at him for your coaching career?

My life would be different if he had not called me at that time. That was a so-called Game changer, but I am very grateful for that. He always had great confidence in his team. He always gave me my freedom. At all pressure he had, he was always sovereign.

How did you pursue the discussion about Joshua Gimmick?

I finally said in detail in an interview. I could only repeat that again. Furthermore, I myself am vaccinated and am a proponent of vaccination.