On Saturday, Hansi Flick praised Germany’s “brave” approach after they racked up an eighth straight win under his leadership against Israel.
Die Mannschaft went ahead in the 36th minute courtesy of Kai Havertz’s near-post header from a corner before Timo Werner added a second in first-half stoppage time with an instinctive finish from Ilkay Gundogan’s free-kick.
Thomas Muller squandered a golden opportunity to add a third in the 89th minute, crashing a penalty against the post. At the same time, Israel also missed from 12 yards a few minutes later when Kevin Trapp denied Yonatan Cohen.
The result meant Germany had won all eight games under Flick since he took over from Joachim Low last year, scoring 33 goals and conceding just two.
Flick was happy with his side’s display and highlighted their prowess from set-pieces during his fledgling reign.
Flick told reporters:
“I’m satisfied. We played very bravely and pressed them hard.
“Overall, we can be happy with all parts of the team. I think it’s incredible how they rewarded themselves.
“We have scored six goals from set-pieces in eight games. That’s something to be proud of.
“Werner’s strike was his 22nd in the colours of Die Mannschaft, and Flick was pleased with his contribution given his reduced game time for Chelsea in recent months.”
Flick added:
“Timo hasn’t played for a long time, only made a few appearances, You can already tell that the rhythm is missing.
“Of course, I’m pleased that he scored a goal. It’s also vital for a striker to know where the goal is, and he’s someone who keeps trying, keeps going deep.”
Israel’s penalty was awarded for Nico Schlotterbeck’s clumsy trip on Cohen after cheaply losing possession.
And Flick warned the Freiburg full-back that mistakes like that would be punished at the World Cup.
“At this level, you just have to focus for 90 minutes,” he said. “Such a mistake at the World Cup could be deadly. But, up until then, he had done very well.”
Germany faces the Netherlands in another friendly Tuesday, with Flick eagerly awaiting the opportunity to pit his wits against a coaching idol, Louis van Gaal.
“We’re looking forward to this duel,” he added. “I’m happy that we’re playing against Louis van Gaal.
“He’s someone who gave me a lot in my coaching career because I appreciated Dutch football very much, loved it very much and kept learning from there.
“He was one of the great coaches from whom I took a lot with me.”
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