Berlin, June 11 (IANS) While the German football team’s coach Joachim Loew’s mind is focused on qualifying for the 2016 European Championship in France, the future of some of his key players is uncertain.
No less than six players in Loew’s squad are thinking about joining new clubs as Germany’s national team was beaten by the United States 1-2 in a warm-up match in Cologne on Wednesday ahead of the World Champion’s Euro qualifier against Gibraltar in Faro (Portugal) on Saturday.
One year after the 1-0 win over Argentina in the Brazil World Cup final, Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich), Ilkay Guendogan, Mats Hummels (both Borussia Dortmund), Antonio Ruediger (VfB Stuttgart), Benedikt Hoewedes (Schalke 04) and Lukas Podolski (Arsenal) might be on the move.
Loew is interested that a solution be found as soon as possible as his team is trying to get back in top form after a difficult post-World Cup year.
On top of everything, Loew and his team, currently lying third behind Poland and Scotland in their Euro qualifying Group D, face two important games on September 4 (Ireland) and October 8. And full attention is needed.
After all, the “uncertain six” will have to adapt to a new club team, new coaches and will have to battle to get a place in the starting eleven. “To be in our Euro 2016 team, it will be vital that players are playing regularly for their clubs,” said Loew.
Midfielder Guendogan has announced that he wants to leave German club Borussia Dortmund, but still has to decide between the several offers he has received. Guendogan’s new club will have to pay up to 20 million euros ($ 22,526,400).
Defender Mats Hummels will miss Germany’s game against Gibraltar due to an injury which would give him time to make up his mind about his future. He has offers from English and Italian clubs.
German club VFL Stuttgart defender Antonio Ruediger also has a difficult decision to make as several European clubs are reported to be interested in signing the defender.
The 22-year-old can leave Stuttgart for 10 million euros ($11,264,600) due to an opting out clause in his contract.
German giants Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has to decide if he stays with the current Bundesliga Champions (contract until 2016) or if he wants a new challenge.
If Schweinsteiger stays with Bayern he will have to face a duel with Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso.
“It is Bastian Schweinsteiger’ s decision if he wants to stay,” said Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola.
Last season Schweinsteiger, due to injuries, often seemed to have lost the duel against Alonso and found himself only sitting on the bench as a substitute.
“I will discuss my future with Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in summer. Now I would say we have early summer,” Schweinsteiger said after the friendly match against the United States on Wednesday.
Another defender, Fc Schalke 04’s Benedikt Hoewedes is reportedly set to join English Premier League side Arsenal, teaming up with his 2014 World Cup mates Mesut Oezil and Per Mertesacker.
Midfielder Lukas Podolski, on loan to Italian outfit Inter Milan from Arsenal, is also looking for a new club after being unhappy with the bit-part role there.
“If I have to, I will be back with Arsenal,” said Podolski.
Loew was far from happy about the defeat against the US and will be demanding quick solutions about his players’ futures.
“Many players already had a short vacation. Looking at that the game today was important to get some practice. But there are no doubts regarding Saturday, we will win the game against Gibraltar,” Loew said.