DFB resignations: In addition to Müller, there is only one other national player who could resign

Created: 12/02/2022 12:34 p.m

By: Antonio Jose Riether

After the second World Cup in the preliminary round in a row, Thomas Müller indicated his retirement from the DFB team.

Otherwise there is really only one other player to consider.

Doha – The recent preliminary round at the World Cup in Qatar could mean the next turning point for the DFB team.

For example, 33-year-old Thomas Müller has already hinted at his retirement from the national team.

The future of the other Ü30 stars is probably open given the weak tournament.

Thomas Müller hints at DFB resignation – Manuel Neuer expects to continue

Just a few moments after the final whistle, Müller surprised television viewers with his emotional speech.

"If it was the last game for Germany for me, I would like to say a few words to the German fans," said the Weilheimer before his farewell greetings and asserted that in his 121 appearances for the national team his "heart was always on the field". to have left.

Müller's Bayern teammate Manuel Neuer, who at 36 was the oldest player in Hansi Flick's World Cup squad, did not express any wishes to resign.

On the contrary, after the game he showed himself combative and said about a resignation: "As far as I'm invited and show my performance, I can rule that out", and added: "I assume that I'll continue.

There's nothing wrong with that."

Ilkay Gündogan already wanted to resign, but Flick persuaded him to stay

Ilkay Gündogan entered the winter tournament as the second oldest field player.

The captain of English champions Manchester City was already toying with the idea of ​​retiring from the national team after last year's European Championship.

However, shortly after taking office, Hansi Flick prevented the 32-year-old from ending his career with the DFB prematurely and persuaded him to stay.

In the fall of last year, Gündogan was

still "pretty happy with the decision to have continued" in a conversation with the

After the second World Cup preliminary round in a row, the native of Gelsenkirchen could draw a line under his DFB career.

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Hansi Flick trusted Gündogan – but the Manchester City star could now resign

Although Flick showed throughout the World Cup that he relies on Gündogan in central midfield - Leon Goretzka was sometimes even banished to the bench - the England legionnaire could certainly consider resigning.

However, he did not give an interview after the last group game against Costa Rica and therefore did not comment on a possible end to his era at the DFB.

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Flick would probably continue to rely on the 66-time national player in the future, but it now also depends on Gündogan.

In view of the early retirement at the World Cup, his thoughts from 2021 could be repeated, whether he will decide against retiring a second time is questionable.

Pure disappointment: Ilkay Gündogan (left) and Thomas Müller immediately after the elimination in Qatar.

© Matthias Koch/imago

Ilkay Gündogan will soon be a father - in the future family time instead of national team?

He could also withdraw from the national team for reasons of time, as his wife Sara Arfaoui is expecting their first child together.

Instead of being away with the national team during the Premier League breaks, the father-to-be could prefer spending time with his family.

National coach Hansi Flick will nevertheless hope that his noble technician with leader qualities will remain available for the European Championships in his own country.

Otherwise, Müller and Gündogan, the two oldest and most experienced field players, would step down and make room for the new generation.