Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka has said the players are determined to make amends for the disappointments of their last two FIFA World Cup campaigns.
The four-time world champions suffered group-stage exits at Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, results that fell well below the nation’s lofty standards.
Goretzka On Germany’s Ambition
Goretzka stressed that the team is eager to restore Germany’s status among football’s elite and reclaim its traditional place in the global game.
“Obviously, we want to put things right. The memories don’t really bother us anymore, but it’s true that the sense of euphoria and that togetherness with the fans perhaps aren’t quite there at the moment,” Goretzka told FIFA.com.
“They’ve lost faith in us a little, and we’d love to win them over again. That’s actually my biggest personal motivation, and the same goes for the whole team.
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“You can and should always learn from your mistakes, but dwelling on them now won’t do us any good. We simply want to look ahead and take this opportunity in front of us. We know we have a good team.
On Nagelsmann’s Comment
Head coach Julian Nagelsmann recently stated that Germany are outside contenders rather than favourites at the World Cup.
Goretzka believes the team must earn its status as one of the favourites through hard work and determination.
“Can I be honest? I’d rather we were favourites. I know that role well from my time at Bayern, and when you’re favourites, the chances are greater that you’ll pull it off,” added Goretzka
“That said, it wouldn’t be right for us to regard ourselves as favourites for the World Cup after the last few years. The role we have now is certainly not a bad one, and the sooner we accept that, the more we can gain strength from it.”
