Analysis: Flick's revitalized Germany dreaming of 2022 title

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By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Five victories, and a convincing goal record of 18-1; the revitalization efforts of new German coach Hansi Flick seem to trigger bold dreams around the wavering 2014 World Champion.

"Playing in the German shirt means to head for titles. It must be a goal to win the 2022 title," Chelsea striker Kai Havertz stated after his squad qualified as the first team for Qatar 2022.

Despite ambitious statements, the four-time World Champion faces a tough challenge until the can is kicked down the road.

Mainly having beaten underdogs in their qualification group leaves the question unanswered of how the newly formed squad is performing against top nations such as France, Italy, Belgium, and Spain.

Optimism though seems reasonable considering the latest upswing following dark times due to a disappointing 2018 World Cup and a devastating 2020 Euro campaign.

Hopes to return to the World's top ground on newly-promoted coach Hansi Flick's ability to create successful teams in a short period.

Flick's achievements with his former club Bayern Munich seem to turn the country's football fans into believers. Seven titles within 18 months with the Bavarians in 2020 might tell the story.

"We need further improvements as we have to grow together as a team. But if there is a coach, able to do that, it's Hansi Flick," Bayern midfielder Leon Goretzka stated.

Next to counting on an axis of experienced forces, the 2020 treble-winning coach enforced the countries rejuvenation.

In the dying minutes against North Macedonia (4-0) promising youngsters such as Florian Wirtz (Leverkusen), Jamal Musiala (Bayern) and Karim Adeyemi (Salzburg) indicated Germany can count on its talents.

Bayern talent Musiala against North Macedonia became the youngest in the German shirt to score a goal in 111 years.

Returnee Thomas Mueller is back as a leader while Flick has found his midfield stronghold in Joshua Kimmich and Goretzka.

Intensively caring for his doubtful cases such as Timo Werner, Flick managed to trigger new confidence.

Blues striker Werner, blamed for wasting too many chances, scored in four of Flick's five internationals since taking over from Joachim Low.

"I feel comfortable again," Werner stated. "It helps to feel your coach's trust, as I need support from outside," the 25-year-old said after his 21st goal in 47 games.

Like Werner, former Citizen star Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry are heading for new shores.

Havertz called the successful series under Flick "the inevitable basis to continue on our way."

The remaining games until kick-off in Qatar must be used to strengthen the defense around Antonio Ruediger and Niklas Suele.

An entertaining movie evening might not be an overwhelmingly innovative step, but the motion pictures message might as well be a trendsetting guiding light. Flick's choosing the newest James Bond blockbuster "No time to die" assumedly happened on purpose. Enditem

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