“I’m still hoping” – Leeds star dreaming of WC spot, feels he’s done everything he can to make it

Leeds United defender Robin Koch has admitted he is ‘still hoping’ to earn a place in Germany’s squad for the World Cup in Qatar.

The defender has been in and out of the Germany squad over the last few years after making his debut in 2019.

He moved to Leeds in a €13m deal from Freiburg in August 2020 and has been a regular for them since when fit, making 51 appearances in all competitions to date.

Playing in the Premier League has helped his international prospects somewhat, with him a regular in the squad under Joachim Low during his time in charge.

He spent the entirety of Euro 2020 sat on the bench and has not been in the squad since, with Low’s replacement Hansi Flick instead preferring other options, including youngsters such as Southampton’s Armel Bella-Kotchap.

That is not something the Leeds star is taking to heart, though, admitting he still has hopes of being in the squad later this month.

“I’m still hoping,” he told SWR Sport.

“I’m sure I can give a lot of positivity to any team on and off the pitch, including the national team.

“I’ve mentioned many times that I can only step on the gas and put in strong performances at my club. That has worked out quite well so far this season. Everything else is in the hands of the national coach.”