Germany federal captain on political signs
Did Germany focus too much on politics during the World Cup?
At least that’s what national team captain Hansi Flick thinks.
– Our job is to play football. He says it would have been nice if we were allowed to do that.
For the second consecutive World Cup, Germany has already been eliminated in the group stage. After a crushing loss in the opening match against Japan, the Germans finally reached the third place in the group, and Hansi Flick’s national team was forced to go home before the start of the playoffs.
Aside from the sporting fiasco, most of the headlines in Germany revolved around the off-field political game. Prior to the match against Japan, players covered their mouths with their hands in protest of FIFA’s ban on the “One Love” armband.
The protest received a lot of attention – and the German national team received both praise and criticism for its political overtones.
Flick is suitable for politicians
Germany’s captain, Hansi Flick, believes the situation could have been handled better.
– French President Emmanuel Macron said something like: “Football is very politicized. Our players should focus on football, then I’ll deal with politics,” Flick said according to the German FNP and continues:
– It would have been nice if that was the case for us too. Our mission is to play football, and it would be great if they let us do that. There are people who are trained to deal with politics.
“The country is divided”
Flick believes that the national team’s political labels have divided the German football public.
Many chose not to watch the matches while others did. The country is divided and it’s a shame. He says football should unite people, adding:
– I was proud to see the fans who gave their unconditional support to their national teams.
