Hansi Flick denied Wednesday that Germany’s pre-game armband protest and authorized motion in opposition to FIFA had distracted his group after they slumped to a shock 2-1 loss of their World Cup opener in opposition to Japan.
“No. We gained’t resort to utilizing excuses. That could be too simple for us,” Flick mentioned when requested if his gamers had misplaced focus after the “OneLove” rainbow armband debate dominating the lead in to Germany’s opening match.
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Germany had been certainly one of seven European international locations who selected Monday their captains would not put on the armband in help of LGBTQ folks following stress from world governing physique FIFA and threats of on-field sanctions.
Just 24 hours earlier than kickoff, the German Football Federation (DFB) lodged a case with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, hoping to have the ban overturned, saying “FIFA has forbidden us from utilizing a logo of variety and human rights”.
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While Neuer didn’t put on the armband in Wednesday’s match, every member of the beginning XI lined their mouths within the compulsory pre-game image, with the DFB issuing a simultaneous assertion saying “to disclaim us the armband is similar as denying us a voice”.
Flick doubled down on the significance of the pre-game gesture, telling the media “it was an indication from the gamers and from us that FIFA is placing us beneath stress”.
German ahead Kai Havertz backed up his aspect’s determination to protest, saying after the match “it was the correct factor to do”.
“Of course, it’s necessary for us to make an announcement like this,” the Chelsea ahead mentioned.
“I believe we spoke concerning the sport, what we will do.
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“I believe it was the correct factor to do, to indicate the people who we tried to assist wherever we will and FIFA makes it not simple for us.”
Flick sought to show the give attention to to his aspect’s lack of effectivity, whereas praising Japan’s effort.
“Japan has an important group. They are effectively put collectively, technically sturdy, tactically good. They introduced their strengths into the sport and performed extra effectively.
“There might be no makes an attempt (from us) to seek out excuses. We weren’t environment friendly sufficient and on the finish we made a number of errors.”
The supervisor denied the group had been haunted by the ghosts of 2018, once they went out of the World Cup on the group stage for the primary time in 80 years.
“I’m not occupied with 2018 comparisons as a result of we have to look ahead.
“We can – and we should – do higher.”
Flick’s Germany face Spain on Sunday and can want not less than a degree to make sure they keep away from one other straight-sets exit.
