The nomination for the podium at the final press conference before Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Romania says something about the changed status of Thilo Kehrer. And is more than a subtle hint that the defensive all-rounder from Paris is likely to be first choice again in Hamburg.
Oliver Hartmann and Sebastian Wolff report from the national team
Kehrer was something of a surprise egg in the first international period under Hansi Flick. In the kicker interview in September, he admitted on the one hand that not being nominated for the European Championship squad had hit him, but at the same time helped him. “After two difficult years with several injuries, I completely shut myself down physically and mentally in order to be able to really attack at the start of preparation. Now I feel better and fitter than I have in a long time. “
Variable, but as a centre-back with the “best football “
Words that the 24-year-old impressively filled with life. Against Liechtenstein he had defended inside, then twice on the left against Armenia and Iceland. Versatility that stands him in good stead with Flick’s high-quality offer. “I think I can play my best football as a centre-back,” he says, “but I can also adapt quickly to other positions and I’m happy when the coach puts me on. “
With Robin Gosens still unavailable on the left of the back four due to injury and David Raum just taking his first steps at the DFB, the ex-Schalker now even has the opportunity to play on the rather unfamiliar side. To remind you: At the beginning of his national team career, Kehrer was preferably deployed on the right, now he is offered a concrete job perspective. One that he obviously already knows about: “I know where the coach sees me,” he explains and smiles, “the last few games have perhaps already given it away a little bit. “
“I know where the coach sees me, the last few games might have given it away a bit. “
THILO KEHRER
Flick praises Kehrer’s self-confidence
Flick, at any rate, is highly satisfied with the returnee’s development. “I like his self-confidence, his whole demeanour. Thilo can play almost all positions in defence, even on the six if necessary.” But he probably won’t have to for the time being.
A permanent place in the national team – for Kehrer, it would be the next step after his dream start to the season in Paris and his recent absence from the squad. In view of the number of stars at his club, however, he is convinced that he is in exactly the right place. “I measure myself against world-class players in every training session.” Among others, with Lionel Messi, “a simple, down-to-earth guy who treats everyone with respect.” For Kehrer, it’s an overall situation he judges: “I have to adapt to this level in every session, so I’m learning every day.”
The German back four could benefit from this.
