Now national coach Flick comments on Hummel's World Cup chances

National coach Hansi Flick leaves Dortmund's defense chief Mats Hummels taking part in the World Cup open, despite his recent strong performances. "I am in contact with Mats, we have agreed things between us," said Flick in an interview with "RTL / ntv".

In addition to experience, the future also counts. “So we might take a young player with us so he can gain tournament experience. We're also thinking about the time after the World Cup," said the national coach: "Overall, we have a good central defense."

Former German international Dietmar Hamann has campaigned for Hummels. “I would definitely take Mats Hummels with me. He was definitely one of the top three or four German central defenders in the past few months. In important games, a Süle or a Schlotterbeck is missing in the starting XI, but Hummels always plays. This shows his form and how much he is held in high esteem. I don't know anything that speaks against him," Hamann wrote in his Sky column.

Hamann thinks it's okay that Hummels recently publicly criticized his teammates. "You can't make the same mistakes over and over again and leave them uncommented. I also think that something has changed since his criticism. The point against Sevilla was worth its weight in gold and gave them a chance to advance with a draw against Manchester City. Dortmund might have lost a game like that last season and now they have to tremble.”

In the club, Hummels had recently aroused the displeasure of some teammates after he had criticized the younger BVB professionals in particular for their attitude. The team must play "mature", so the defender. "When I criticize, you have to expect me to lead in terms of performance," said Hummels after the draw against Manchester City, in which he did exactly that.