Arsenal star Kai Havertz has brushed off criticism from Gary Lineker, who described the current Germany squad as 'one of the weakest I've ever seen' ahead of their World Cup round of 32 clash against Paraguay.
Havertz unfazed by Lineker's remarks
Speaking ahead of Monday night's match in Boston, Havertz said he had not even read Lineker's comments and is not interested in outside opinions. 'Everyone can have their own opinion. I have no problem with that,' the 27-year-old told reporters. 'I didn't even read what he said. At a tournament like this, a lot of people start talking about you. I don't think anyone is really listening to that.'
Germany topped Group E after a 7-1 thrashing of debutants Curacao, where Havertz scored a brace, but they struggled in a narrow win over the Ivory Coast and suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Ecuador. The inconsistent performances have drawn fierce criticism, with head coach Julian Nagelsmann and captain Manuel Neuer facing scrutiny.
Lineker's prediction sparks debate
Lineker, the former England captain and ex-Match of the Day host, told French outlet L'Equipe that France should beat Germany 'without any trouble' if the two meet in the round of 16. 'I think that this is one of the weakest Germany sides I've ever seen,' Lineker said. 'France should reach the quarter-finals without any trouble. 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, however, remains unfazed. 'We already have many pundits in our country. And if people from other countries start talking as well, then that's enough at some point,' he added. 'It's easy for people to criticise from outside. I'm not interested in that at all.'
Germany's World Cup odds and internal friction
Germany are priced at 20/1 to win the tournament, according to Coral, behind favourites France (3/1), Argentina (4/1), England and Spain (both 7/1). The team has largely struggled since lifting the World Cup in 2014, and there are rumours of discontent in the camp, with growing friction between Nagelsmann and the players. Some have called for Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp to take over.
Havertz acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in attack alongside Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala. 'We talk a lot about what can work better and what we need to improve,' he said. 'The three of us know ourselves that we haven't fully shown what we're capable of up front yet. We have to take responsibility for that. It takes a bit of time because everyone comes from their clubs to the national team and you have to get used to your teammates.'
Despite the criticism, Havertz insists the team is focused on their own performance. 'When you are in a major tournament, people talk. I don't care what people say, we are focused on ourselves.'
