Eintracht Frankfurt defender Robin Koch has admitted missing out on Germany’s squad in 2022 was a “very bitter” one for him when he was at Leeds United, even if it may have worked out better in the long run.
The centre-back has been speaking to Frankfurter Rundschau about his career to date and his plans for the national team moving forwards.
He’s again a part of the national team set up ahead during this international break, having finally managed to break back into the set up under Julian Nagelsmann.
The 27-year-old had found himself out of the international picture during his time at Leeds and moved back to the Bundesliga in the summer in the hope of putting himself back in the spotlight.
He’s managed to do that, playing a key role for Eintracht Frankfurt and earning himself a call-up for this international break, recently sitting on the bench in the 2-0 win over France after missing each squad since Euro 2020, when he was also among the substitutes.
Whether he can be a permanent member of the group moving forwards remains to be seen but that is definitely the plan, having missed out consistently while he was at Leeds.
“I had a major injury that cost me practically the entire first half of the season with Leeds United,” he said.
“When I was nominated by Hansi Flick and had already arrived in Germany, I had to pass again because of a positive corona test. That was very bitter for me before the 2022 World Cup.
“Of course I developed further. The three years in the Premier League certainly contributed to this. Everything goes a little faster there.
“In any case. From the outset, it was a goal for me to be a leading player at Eintracht Frankfurt. That’s what was expected of me and that’s what I did.
“I do the same thing here with the national team. Feeling like a team is very important, especially at such an important tournament as the upcoming European Championships.
“The team is the most important thing. It only works if everyone moves forward in one direction. Only then will success come. I am ready to do my part. It can also be important if you come on as a substitute late. The best example for me is Mario Götze when he won the 2014 World Cup.”
