Germany forward Kai Havertz says the battle for places in attack is not creating rivalry inside the squad as the team prepares for the World Cup.
Speaking at Germany’s first press conference since arriving in the United States on Tuesday, Havertz said the large number of attacking options is a strength rather than a problem.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has several players to choose from in forward positions. Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Nick Woltemade, Lennart Karl, Leroy Sane and Havertz are among the attacking talents in the squad.
“We have many options (in attack),” Havertz said. “It is a very good problem to have. It is much better to have more good players than fewer in the team.”
Havertz joined the national team after Arsenal’s penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final last week.
Germany will play the United States in their final warm up match on Saturday before the World Cup starts on June 11.
In Germany’s 4-0 win over Finland on Sunday, Wirtz, Musiala, Karl and Deniz Undav started in attack. Havertz missed the match because of his club commitments.
“There is variety. We need all the players and many capable of playing in different positions,” Havertz said when asked about Undav, who scored twice and provided an assist against Finland.
“His stats speak for themselves. In the national team he is an extremely important part. We, as players, know that. No one fears anyone. We have to function as a team together and everyone will be needed.”
Germany head into the World Cup looking to rebuild their reputation after disappointing group stage exits in 2018 and 2022.
The four time world champions have not won a major international trophy since lifting the World Cup in Brazil in 2014.
Germany are in Group E. They begin their campaign against Curacao on June 14 before facing Ivory Coast and Ecuador.
