Women's European Championship: National coach criticizes DFB goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger

National coach Christian Wück's answer was as brief as it was clear. "No," he whispered at the press conference following the 2-1 (0-1) win against Denmark in the second group match of the Women's European Championship , when asked whether he approved of the playing style of national goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger.

A brief pause, brief laughter in the room. Wück added: "I can't say anything more about that for now. I will, of course, sit down with her and discuss the need to find other solutions, otherwise I won't live long."

The US international was not to blame for the goal conceded – the first in three consecutive clean sheets – in the 1-0 defeat against Denmark. However, in the second half, the DFB coach caught his breath three times when Berger took a very risky approach with the ball at her feet in a duel with Danish attackers, who at one point even ran at the 34-year-old in pairs.

"I have to honestly say, I had a really good feeling about the three times I played." This is how Berger, who is under contract with Gotham FC in New Jersey, reacted to the reporters present a few minutes after Wück's comments. She continued: "From your perspective, it looks different than from mine. I would do it again."

She's therefore still looking forward to a conversation with the national coach with confidence. She'll "definitely talk to him and see what he has to say. A solution we both agree on" can certainly be found. "If the head coach says something different, then we'll see."

Already in the first European Championship match against Poland (2-0), Berger had let the opposing attacker out under pressure. Berger emphasized that she "loves playing football" and explained that she practices such pressure situations in training. Perhaps she could "minimize" it, but "can't completely eliminate it." The risky style of play has also had no consequences – at least so far.

In another scene, Wück's concerns for Berger were of a different nature. In an aerial duel with Signe Bruun, the German goalkeeper was hit in the chest (78th minute) and required treatment immediately afterward and again in stoppage time. The experienced international player reportedly "briefly gasped for breath," but felt a significant improvement after the final whistle: "My heart rate is down, my breathing is normal again."

With Sjoeke Nüsken equalizing from a penalty in the 56th minute and Lea Schüller (66th) after Amalie Vangsgaard had scored the opening goal for Denmark in the 26th minute, Germany's 3-0 victory over Poland secured their place in the quarterfinals. The clash for group victory against the Scandinavians will take place on Saturday (9 p.m., ZDF and DAZN) in Zurich.