Goretzka's dig at '82 million' German fans 'who think they're the coach'

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By Tom Canton

Published: June 21, 2021 2:48 pm

Last Updated: June 21, 2021 2:50 pm

Table of Contents

Goretzka dig

The German national side has face plenty of criticism over the last 2 years and especially since they’re awful showing at the 2018 World Cup.

Plenty of players were initially ousted from the squad including the likes of Thomas Muller, Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng. Whilst the former pair have both returned to Joachim Low’s team, there is plenty still to be said about how the German’s have performed.

The opening of the tournament this year was a difficult 1-0 defeat against France, however a very impressive 4-2 victory over Portugal brought many fans back on side.

One thing that appears to be without doubt is that the manager has the support of his players. So much so that some are willing to speak out about the public criticisms of their coach.

Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka has been talking to the press and spoke satirically about the frequency of public criticism of the coaching.

“It is nice to once again have 82 million people who think they’re the coach of Germany, rather than 82 million virologist,” he said.

Germany’s Leon Goretzka on the excitement enveloping the Euros from a German point of view. “It is nice to once again have 82 million people who think they’re the coach of Germany, rather than 82 million virologists.” 🙂

— Derek Rae (@RaeComm) June 21, 2021

Goretzka has now returned to fitness and will likely play a big role in the rest of the tournament.

Ilkay Gundogan didn’t train ahead of the match with Hungary and Goretzka will likely deputise alongside Toni Kroos.

DFB confirm that Mats Hummels, Thomas Müller, Ilkay Gündogan and Lukas Klostermann are not involved in today’s training sessions.

— Get German Football News (@GGFN_) June 21, 2021

Gosens highlights fundamental win

One of the biggest criticisms of Low has been the decision to play with a 3-4-2-1 system.

The wingbacks of Joshua Kimmich and Robin Gosens looked vulnerable against France but blew away a Portuguese side who couldn’t cope with the overload in their defensive third.

Gosens scored and even had an earlier strike ruled out for offside. He spoke of the importance of the victory.

“This win was fundamentally important for the rest of the tournament,” said Gosens.

Leon Goretzka’s dig at ’82 million’ German supporters ‘who think they’re the coach’

MUNICH, GERMANY – JUNE 19: Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal scores their side’s first goal past Manuel Neuer of Germany whilst under pressure from Robin Gosens of Germany during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group F match between Portugal and Germany at Football Arena Munich on June 19, 2021 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Kai Pfaffenbach – Pool/Getty Images)

“I have no words. It will stay in my mind forever, it is one of the evenings which I won’t forget in my life.”

Should Germany beat Hungary they could pull off a surprise group topping moment and Portugal themselves could be knocked out should France win.