National players shine again: Koch fights for a place in the World Cup – football

He has hope of the World Cup again! After Robin Koch bruised his pubic bone for months, the central defender returned shortly before Christmas. In the interview, the national player talked about his long break from injury, fighting for a place in the World Cup, and spurring calls from national coach Hansi Flick.

Bild am Sonntag: Sid Koch, Omikron threatens to paralyze the league in Germany. What is the current situation in the Premier League and your club, Leeds United?

Robin Koch (25): “We are tested every day before training and we have to wait in the car until the result is achieved. The cabins are closed, we change an enclosed space at a great distance. We keep the players five to ten meters away. When we are not on the field we have to wear a mask at all times” .

I have been injured since August. It was the last time the fans celebrated a 3-1 win over Burnley, your second appearance after the long run.

Hut: “It was my first full Elland Road game and a very important win for us. A great start to the new year. I was the happiest person on the field. Fighting with my teammates for 90 minutes without any problems – it was really fun.”

I have played eight international matches so far. Were you in contact with Hansi Flick during your injury break?

Hut: “The national coach and I spoke on the phone several times. It is a great motivation for me: of course, I have the goal of returning to the DFB team as soon as possible. As I said, I am always in contact with the doctors of the DFB.”

Are you going to the World Cup in Qatar in the winter of 2022?

Hut: “I will hurry and present myself in the best possible way. Of course every national player wants to be a part of the World Cup. Last summer we separated from emerging markets and said: we have to do better. We want to do it together. But there is still a lot of time until that.” now “.

Will the race for last place in the middle of the World Cup squad be decided between you and Mats Hummels?

Hut: “We have a lot of great defenders. In the end, the performance is what decides for everyone. I can only influence my performance and I will put everything in it.”

How did you develop in the English Premier League?

Hut: “The intensity is different, the players are stronger, and physically faster. My opponents are more powerful, so you have to be fully awake every second. As a defender, you automatically improve both sportingly and on the pitch when you play against a big team with world-class players every week. Plus To the training at Leeds United, I also do a lot of extra shifts at home to be physically at his best.”

How do you follow the path of your former team Freiburg from England?

Hut: “I followed the matches and am still in regular contact with many players. I am happy that you are very successful. Many are now anticipating a stagnation. But I am confident that Freiburg will achieve international status.”