FIRST TEAM
05/12/2014

Volland and Rudy hopeful of international debut against Poland

Back in June 2013, the two Hoffenheim players Kevin Volland and Sebastian Rudy sat on the podium together at a Germany press conference – at the European U21 Championship in Israel. Less than a year later, they are back amongst the DFB setup – but now it's with the senior national team.

This time though, it was only Kevin Volland who took to the podium to answer the journalists' questions on Monday afternoon, along with Germany's assistant manager Hansi Flick. But both Volland and Rudy are equally hopeful of making their full international debut when Germany take on Poland in Hamburg on Tuesday. Volland, who has been named in Germany's provisional World Cup squad by manager Joachim Löw, will have hopes of a different kind as well though – a seat on the plane to Brazil is within touching distance.

The pair won't come up against a fellow teammate in the form of Eugen Polanski in the Imtech Arena, however. The Poland international has flown to India with TSG and has turned down the chance to feature in the friendly. “I like playing for Poland. The amazing fans will no doubt turn up in their numbers in Hamburg and a game against Germany, a side who are one of the favourites at the World Cup, is always tempting. But after a fantastic but tiring season I've decided to travel with TSG to India. I want to take the opportunity to get to know the country together with my team and experience a lot of new things. As a person, it's an extraordinary trip that I can profit from immensely in the long term,” said Polanski.

Pleasantly surprised

Both Hoffenheim players Volland and Rudy want to leave a lasting impression on national team manager Löw - Volland for the immediate future and Rudy for the period after the World Cup. Two Hoffenheim players in the Germany squad – that sounds good. And honestly speaking, the Hoffenheim fans will be looking forward more to seeing of the two of them on the pitch together rather than one of them at a press conference.

Nevertheless, Volland cut a good figure on the podium – answering questions in a familiar laid-back and open manner. “We got here with no hassle. The call from Hansi Flick came after a good second half of the season with Hoffenheim. On the one hand, it took me completely by surprise, but on the other hand, I was of course ecstatic,” said Volland. The TSG player added, “I want to give a good account of myself and really want to get stuck in.”

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