Germany integrated the new generation quite well. Last year's confed cup and the qualification is proof of that. If Germany would have lost against Mexico and Sweden then you may have an argument but losing like that against SK has nothing to do with failed integration. That is a coaching issue. Loew was way to relaxed the last few days. In his interviews there was no urgency and even arrogance. A team reflects the coach. He took the SK game like Croatia did their last game (but they were qualified already). You do not ever change half the team which just pulled a monster second half (even with 10 players) when you need a win in your next game.
You are correct with the leadership. Those who were the experienced ones have to show the leadership which was not there. But you need veterans. This team was compromised of 6 or so players who were with the WC 2014 squad. All of them (except Gomez) were still under 30. All of the younger players had received enough playing time in the squad. It was a picture perfect scenario of player integration. If there is a lack of leadership than the coach has to step in. Tony Kroos was the only one who said last January "We are not there where many think we are at. We are not there where many of our players think we are at."
We have to stop with that Sane thing. Please.
You answered your Gomez issue in that same post. Loew wanted a #9 on the squad. But there was really nobody else. I am mocking Gomez for over a decade now. When I am overseas with family members and there is a game on they make fun of me "ey look, Gomez plays again." He doesn't have the natural instincts of a #9. He needs to many chances to score goals. We talked about Mueller the other day. He had instincts. Then Klaus Fischer, he had instincts. The problem is: I could not tell you of a true #9 in German soccer.
