DBB captain Schröder’s criticism of his teammate Kleber has caused a stir. Schröder’s predecessor Robin Benzing, however, defends the NBA pro at the start of the preparation.
Long-time German captain Robin Benzing has explicitly strengthened his successor Dennis Schröder. “He has grown up even more. I played with him in the national team when he was still a rookie. Every player has to learn a lot and gain experience. He has matured, he leads the team incredibly,” Benzing told dpa about the 29-year-old. A friendship has developed between him and Schröder, Benzing added.
Schröder had come in for criticism after harsh words about teammate Maximilian Kleber, who subsequently declared he would not play in the World Cup in Asia (25 August to 10 September). “Of course it was a bit unfortunate. That’s just the way Dennis is: He always says directly what’s going on. Sometimes it might be a bit rash, sometimes you should say it a bit differently. But I don’t think he meant it badly,” said the 34-year-old Benzing about Schröder, who is moving to the Toronto Raptors after the World Cup.
“If it doesn’t work out, there will be a lot of grumbling “
Schröder had criticised NBA colleague Kleber, among other things, for not playing in last year’s European Championship. The German Basketball Federation (DBB) has declared the issue settled, according to which there was a debate in addition to Schröder’s apology.
Benzing said that Kleber could have definitely helped the team athletically. “In the end it will be measured by the result anyway. If it doesn’t work out, there will be a lot of grumbling. Maxi is definitely a very good player. But they did well without him,” said the former captain, referring to the 2022 home European Championships that ended in bronze. Benzing’s career in the national team is over, he will play for second-division club Giessen 46ers in the coming season.
The German team is starting its World Cup preparation these days. On Saturday (7 p.m.), the European Championship bronze medallists will test against Sweden. The World Cup kicks off on 25 August (2.10 p.m.) against co-hosts Japan.
