A tense silence seems to have taken hold of everyone in the German World Cup base camp in the far North of Qatar.
The quietness around the sunny wellness resort in Zulal might not fully reflect the roller coaster of thoughts for the struggling 2014 world champion having to face a group game against Spain this Sunday that comes near a final.
Losing seems as forbidden as it is to cultivate bad memories such as the shock-like 2-1 defeat against Japan in the tournament opener and more.
Take the facts as a chance is the credo spread by German national coach Hansi Flick while statistics against Spain in majors tell a different story.
Not to speak of the disappointing 2018 World Cup in Russia and a devastating 6-0 defeat against the Iberians in the Nations League two years ago.
Flick is investing his and his coaching staff’s energy to “get the players’ heads free and develop the belief for a turnaround.”
Much more than ever the German World Cup headquarters appears like a fortress while the reputation of the football nation seems on stage while fans fear a historic low point.
Never before in the country’s history have two consecutive World Cups ended with an exit after the group stage.
Slipping into the role of a sermonizer, 57-year-old Flick keeps on talking about the positive things while at the same time demanding passion and determination.
Daily life following the surprising defeat against Japan in the sealed-off Zulal resort came near a congress of scientists trying to evaluate facts and circumstances positively.
“Sunday is a chance,” Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt stated this Friday while Chelsea striker Kai Havertz spoke about the ambition to prove the team so far hidden potential.
As if it was inevitable not to address the nation in dark times, Flick set up some sort of emergency press conference announcing: “We had our failed shot. There is no second one.”
To get everyone behind the line Flick demanded unity after leading players such as Citizen midfielder and captain Manuel Neuer frankly accused teammates of lacking the will to kick the can down the road.
“We need to openly talk about what went wrong and what the solutions are,” Flick said while indicating to consider line-up changes.
Richly blessed by a wave of suggestions from fans and pundits, the German coach is trying to set up a frame to create a solid defense aside from demanding improvements from the entire squad regarding their general attitude.
A robust midfield line of Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, and Gundogan seems possible as it is to move Bayern’s Kimmich to the right side of the back-chain. To rule midfield is a key task in Flick’s perspective.
The return of Leroy Sane seems likely after the Bayern striker missed the opener due to injury.
Niklas Sule is said to move to the defense center next to Real defender Antonio Rudiger after the Dortmund defender’s poor performance as a fullback.
“It was time to talk straight among the team,” Havertz said aside from Brand announcing, “It’s time to show up.”
