Freiburg Reap Rewards From Koch’s Germany Call

Robin Koch says he can take “an awful lot” from his first senior appearance for Germany when he returns to club action with Freiburg. The centre-back was a surprise selection by Germany chief Joachim Low when he was named in the starting line-up for Wednesday’s friendly with Argentina.

The 23-year-old played as part of a back three in Dortmund alongside Juventus’ Emre Can and Bayern Munich’s Niklas Sule and looked at home on the international stage.

Like his colleagues, he impressed particularly in the first half as Germany went 2-0 in front through Kai Havertz and Serge Gnabry before Argentina hit back with two goals after the break to secure a 2-2 draw.

Koch admitted it had been a whirlwind few days getting the call then learning he was starting the game but he was pleased with his contribution.

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He told the DFB website: “All in all it went well. In the first half especially we played really well and I was really happy with my individual performance as well. In the second half things didn’t go quite so well. Argentina increased the pressure and caused us more problems than in the first.”

Koch will hope to be involved again when Germany go to Estonia for a Euro 2020 qualifier on Sunday before he resumes club action with Freiburg next weekend against Union Berlin.

The defender says he’s enjoyed his time so far in the international set-up and has gained valuable experience he can utilise when back with Freiburg.

When asked what lessons he can take back with him to his club, he added: “An awful lot. These are the best players in Germany all coming together. Whether you’re on or off the pitch, you can learn a lot from them as footballers and as professionals in general.”