Roland Virkus and Daniel Farke leave no doubt that they are critical of the World Cup award to Qatar. From a sporting point of view, the Gladbach decision-makers keep their fingers crossed for their five World Cup drivers. The tournament also serves to monitor potential newcomers.
“You have to make it very clear that the award to Qatar was not correct and it does not match the values that Borussia Mönchengladbach stands for,” Virkus told the Bild newspaper. “As a result, I have very mixed feelings before the tournament. Of course I also see the sport, we will also follow how our boys perform there – but personally I’m not going to Qatar.” Nevertheless, the sports director wants to use the World Cup to look out for new players.
Coach Farke agreed with his manager: “The award was wrong and the timing is wrong. For me as a traditionalist and football romantic, a World Cup belongs in the summer. For me, that includes a grilled bratwurst and a nice cold drink. It feels now more like mulled wine and shortbread.”
Altogether, five Borussia pros were nominated for the tournament: Jonas Hofmann (Germany), Joe Scally (USA), Ko Itakura (Japan), Nico Elvedi and Yann Yommer (both Switzerland). However, the goalkeeper is on the brink with his torn ligaments and capsule. On Friday against BVB, summer will be canceled like in the past few weeks.
“Of course, all fingers are crossed for Yann. According to the first forecasts, he should perhaps be fit again sooner, but there have been a few setbacks in rehab. But it looks like he should be fit for Qatar,” revealed color confident. In order not to be caught off guard by a summer absence, Switzerland has nominated four goalkeepers as a precaution.
The Foal coach looked at central defender Itakura’s participation in the World Cup with mixed feelings. The Japanese returns to the squad for the first time after tearing a knee ligament against BVB. “In the back of your mind, as a club coach, you’re always a bit worried when someone flies straight to a big tournament after such a long break,” admitted Farke. “I hope he doesn’t overpace. But he’s fit, maybe it’ll be good if he comes back to us with match practice.”
This article was originally published on 90min.com/de as “Award was wrong” – Virkus and Farke with a clear position on the World Cup in Qatar.
