Veteran defender, Matt Hummels will be looking to stun 14-time UEFA Champions League winner, Real Madrid when they lock horns with his side, Borussia Dortmund in Wembley on the 1st of June
The defender’s omission from the German squad heading to the Euros has received some reactions, some being affirmative and others negative. Many claim that his old legs may not have enough steel to man the defensive engine room of the Der Manschaft. However, the veteran will be eager to show that he still has it in him to compete at the highest level.
The former Bayern Munich defender, who made the surprising decision to go back to his former club, Borussia Dortmund in 2019 because he wanted to compete, and was tired of winning all the time, is roaring and is ready to win the much coveted club trophy.
“I came back for these moments, where I go home after a game and am just euphoric.
“Above all, there is less euphoria produced when you win so often.
“If we at Borussia Dortmund now win seven championships in a row, even here the title celebration won’t be as noisy as the first.”
However, since his return to the second biggest club in the country, silverware has been hard to come by, and this season’s UEFA Champions League final presents an opportunity for the 35-year-old to compete against the very best to claim the top European crown.
Disappointed by his absence in the Euros roll call
The veteran German has had his time in the German national team and has racked up a sizable 76 caps for the Der Manschaft. However, he would have expected to make the roll call for this year’s Euros given his form for Borussia Dortmund this season.
The national team head coach, Julian Nagglesman decided to make the strange decision to leave the experienced legs of the German out. He however opted for younger presences like Waldener Anton, Robin Koch and David Rau to join the list of more established regulars like Antonio Rudiger, and Joshua Kimmich.
Matt Hummels’ absence though surprising should not be entirely perplexing as Julian Nagglesman has always selected younger and faster legs as his centre-back pairings. He also chose Hummels’ Dortmund teammate Nico Schlotterbeck over the veteran.
However, despite his great performances, he has been overlooked and his club manager, Erdin Terzic believes that he is channelling the pain of his absence into his preparation for the Champions League final.
The 35-year-old has stepped up at different times for his team and was responsible for sealing their victory over Paris Saint Germain with his lone effort. He might now be hinting at one more big game moment to cap off the 2023/24 campaign.
“Nagelsmann’s call affected the defender and after the conversation, he was disappointed”, as per quotes from Mundo Deportivo.
“He told me now he will do everything possible to achieve our great goal of winning the Champions League.
“He deserved to go to the Euros, but that’s not our decision. But, he is very professional, and will be a vital player for us in the final.”
Dortmund’s Domestic struggles: A sharp contrast to their European form
In sharp contrast to their terrific European form, the yellow and black machines have been tame on domestic soil. They have been able to accumulate 63 points with just one game to go. Quite poor given their consistency in at least making the top four in the top German division.
With the added Champions League spot for the German Bundesliga due to Borussia Dortmund’s win over Paris Saint Germain, the yellow and black army will be at next season’s UEFA Champions League regardless of the result at Wembley. Given how their season has been, it would be rather good to end the season on a title-winning note for the Black and Yellow.
A fairly 5th position behind RB Leipzig who are two points better is seen as a disappointment by those at the upper echelons of the Signal Iduna Park, and a win over Los Blancos will at least quiet the disappointment of finishing 5th in the league. Fans of Borussia Dortmund can watch the UEFA Champions League final by purchasing Borussia Dortmund tickets from a reliable online ticket store.
Who made it to the Euros and who did not?
Matt Hummels has been confirmed as one of those who will not be in the Euros come next month. Here are some headline players that made it.
Niclas Füllkrug
The centre forward has had a fairly impressive season at the signal Iduna Park and has been rewarded with a call-up to the Der Mannschaft squad by Julian Nagglesman. His 3 goals in the Uefa Champions League have been useful in propelling the side to the final.
Nico Schlotterbeck
The young centre-back was chosen ahead of his more experienced teammate, Matt Hummels and he did get lucky. The 24-year-old played 33 games in the Bundesliga and got a decent 2 goals and an assist. He also has been a core part of that solid defensive set-up at the signal Iduna Park.
Here are some Dortmund stars who didn’t make the Euros roll call.
Jadon Sancho
Though the young Englishman’s game has seen a renaissance in form and quality on the pitch, his inconsistency is a recurring problem and that is probably why Gareth Southgate did not blink an eye in leaving his name out. However, a player of his quality and stature can always bounce back.
Julian Brandt
Perhaps yet another huge surprise omission in the Germany national team squad, Brandt has been quite crucial in driving the attacking gear of the Borussia Dortmund attack. It will be interesting to see how the Der Mannschaft fares without him.
Borussia Dortmund wrap up their domestic season at home to Darmstadt this weekend, with the Champions League final in London looming large.