There were seven years between his debut in the national team and his nomination for the European Championship squad under Joachim Löw – on Thursday in Wolfsburg now Christian Günter celebrated his starting eleven debut in the 9:0 against Liechtenstein and even assisted on a goal. On Sunday in Armenia, the 28-year-old Freiburg player could start straight back up.
“It was a great experience to play from the start at the fourth attempt and to be able to sing along with the national anthem on the pitch, that’s something I’ve always dreamed of,” said the left-back. And he can certainly expect a repeat performance. Hansi Flick’s personnel is very thin, especially in the back four, and only David Raum could be considered for a left-back role instead of Günter. However, the fact that the national coach has already been forced to make several changes and that Freiburg’s steam generator was convincing on Thursday suggests that he will remain in this position.
Praise for competitor Raum: “Make Hansi’s decision difficult “
He himself, of course, is his usual reserved self and praises his competitor. “David “, says Günter, “has done well in the U 21 and in the club. Another premiere after his debut in the starting line-up is already in store for Günter: his first real away game as an international. “I’m looking forward to being part of an away game for once, plus I’ve never been to Armenia before.” How many more trips he will have to make as a member of the DFB delegation is ultimately up to him.
“We have been warned about Armenia “
Günter has no lack of self-conception, even though he is by no means applying for the post of loudspeaker. “We are warned against Armenia, even though they clearly lost their home match against North Macedonia. But if we bring everything to the pitch, we will win this game. “