Dirk Bauermann (65) At the end of the Intermediate Round, the former national coach looks back at the game against Slovenia – and also explains the brief incident between Dennis Schröder and Gordon Herbert.
The German team played an outstanding Intermediate Round – both in terms of performance and results. One can only congratulate the German team on this great performance.
Against Slovenia, Isaac Bonga was the most important player. He managed with his length and physical play to chain Luka Doncic – perhaps the best individualist in the world. It seemed as if the Slovenians resigned themselves to their fate after half-time. No doubt the fact that they had already qualified for the quarter-finals before the match played a part in this.
Herbert’s handling of Schröder is understandable and correct
The dispute between national coach Gordon Herbert and superstar Dennis Schröder has naturally caused a stir. Dennis is one of those players who has an almost irrational self-confidence. He is certainly not always easy to lead. Gordie, however, does an excellent job with his calm, always controlled manner. It is understandable and also right that he should burst his collar in this situation. Just like the decision to replace Schröder and Theis after this incident.
But the fact that both of them concentrated on the game again quickly after this incident and even performed much better than before is what makes them stand out. That shows that they are absolute professionals and team players.
Things like that happen in sport. They are an expression of passion and the will to win. As a rule, however, they have no effect whatsoever on team cohesion, the relationship between coach and team – or on the games that follow.
