Hansi Flick insists Germany are united as World Cup specialists seek to avoid another group stage exit

Head coach Hansi Flick denied there is unrest in the German camp ahead of the must-win match against Spain.

Flick appeared alone at the pre-match media conference claiming the three-hour round trip from the training ground to downtown Doha was prohibitive given the need for the players to prepare as Germany fights to avoid a second successive group stage exit at the World Cup.

Tensions between the players surfaced after the opening defeat to Japan which leaves Germany needing to beat Spain to maintain any interest in the tournament. Senior players Ilkay Gudogan of Manchester City and Bayern Munich keeper Manuel Neuer were openly critical of the team’s defending. Flick admitted that frank discussions between the players themselves and the management group have taken place but denied that was a factor in his lone appearance.

In an earlier media conference at the German camp, Chelsea’s Kai Havertz and Julian Brandt of Borussia Dortmund also rejected claims the group was split. However, they did acknowledge heated discussions had taken place in frequent team meetings as the players pored over the details of a catastrophic 2-1 defeat in which Germany surrendered the lead and failed to add a second despite 26 goal attempts.

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Asked whether a second successive group stage exit would represent proof of Germany’s downgrade as a leading football nation, Flick said: “I think Sunday’s match will show. We could have been two, three ahead [against Japan], but that’s [in the] past. Important to focus on what we can influence and be brave. We need to be convinced of what we are doing and for everyone to believe in themselves.

“It’s important to tell the payers what we did and didn’t do well. We made a lot of mistakes and we tried to articulate that. Important for them to understand. We are convinced of our philosophy of football and we want to put that in to practise.”

The Japan defeat came against a background of controversy with the German FA losing one of its major sponsors after the team declined to wear the One Love armband in protest at Qatar’s homophobic culture. Instead the team chose in a team photograph to cover their mouths in a symbolic gesture criticising Fifa’s attempt to silence protest.

Flick acknowledged the controversies had not helped preparations. “We need to accept the noise in the background. What happened before, the story of the armband and now with the press conference. I’m convinced about what we want to do and how to play. The defeat to Japan was bitter, hard to take. It could have been avoided but we stick to our guns.”

Germany face the most impressive team of the first round of games. Spain’s 7-0 defenestration of Costa Rica was a powerful indicator of the promise in Luis Enrique’s young team. Flick believes Germany is equal to the challenge. “I’m happy with this team. We can improve tactically and technically but we will see a team that knows what’s at stake and will do our utmost to get into the final eight. The door is still open.

“If you look at last two tournaments we did not do well. We want to prevent that from happening again. It’s the first final for us at this World Cup. We want to prevent going out. I’m very optimistic, looking forward to the match. These are not the best conditions, but we have the quality to win.”

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