Kai Havertz has dismissed Gary Lineker’s claim that the current Germany side is “one of the weakest” in the nation’s history, insisting the squad is not distracted by outside criticism as it prepares for its FIFA World Cup Round of 32 tie against Paraguay.
The Arsenal forward addressed the comments during his pre-match press conference, playing down the former England striker’s assessment and stressing that the team remains focused on the task ahead.
Lineker, who won the Golden Boot at the 1986 FIFA World Cup, questioned Germany’s prospects in an interview with L’Équipe, arguing that the four-time world champions no longer command the same fear they once did.
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I didn’t even notice it myself,” Havertz said.
“Of course, during a tournament like this, a lot of people start talking about you. But I don’t think anyone in the squad pays much attention to it.”
Lineker was forthright in his criticism, suggesting France would have little difficulty overcoming Germany should the two nations meet in the knockout stages.
“I think this is one of the weakest Germany sides I’ve ever seen. France should reach the quarter-finals without any trouble,” Lineker said.
“Germany are living off their past. Just remember that they didn’t even make it out of the group stage at the last two World Cups. So I think you can all sleep easy.”
Havertz responded by suggesting Germany’s players are accustomed to scrutiny from the media and supporters at home, making criticism from abroad largely irrelevant.
“We already have plenty of experts in our own country. If people in other countries start as well, at some point enough is enough,” he said.
The former Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen forward also made it clear that outside opinions would have no bearing on Germany’s preparations.
“It’s always easy to criticise us from the outside. But I really couldn’t care less.”
Germany, who suffered group-stage exits at the last two World Cups, will be aiming to put their recent tournament disappointments behind them when they face Paraguay for a place in the last 16.
Havertz’s response reflects a squad determined to ignore the external noise and let their performances on the pitch answer their critics.
