Wück announces short “symbolic” shift for Popp, two DFB players depart camp injured.

Ahead of Monday’s friendly against the Australian Women’s national football team in Duisburg, German women’s Bundestrainer Christian Wück has revealed that retiring DFB-captain Alexandra Popp will log very few minutes in what shall serve as a largely symbolic shift. Wück remains keen to accord more playing time to new DFB call-up Giovanna Hoffmann, who genuinely impressed in last night’s victory over England at Wembley.

“We are very happy to say goodbye to Poppi,” Wück told German footballing journalist Paul Bartmuß of Germany’s Kicker Magazine, “But, and this has already been discussed with her, she won’t play a whole game, or even a half. She will start as captain and then be substituted after a certain period of time. This is valuable fixture that we need to utilize properly.”

“She executed exactly as we discussed,” Wück said of Hoffmann, “I’m very pleased with her. I’ve seen her play three times in person. She’s exactly what we need here. A player who can make things happen, a player who is physically present up front.” 

In the meantime, it has been confirmed that two of the players have departed DFB camp. The scorer of the game-winning goal, Sara Däbritz, suffered a muscle injury. Sydney Lohmann – who remained unused on the bench – has dropped out due to knee problems. 

Wück’s lone replacement is none other than the near-hero of the 2022 Euro Final. Former Bayern and current Inter Milan attacker Lina Magull will link up with the team ahead of Monday’s fixture.