Kai Havertz says Germany seeking to rely on relationships to carry through tough times

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 25: Kai Havertz of Germany reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Ecuador and Germany at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 25, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images) | Getty Images Given the state of punditry these days, the German national team is probably better off not reading the papers or listening to the talking heads.

class="wp-block-paragraph">With a Round of 32 games vs. Paraguay ahead, Kai Havertz said that team will rally around each other.

class="wp-block-paragraph">“We are fully convinced we can win (Monday). When you are in a major tournament, people talk. I don’t care what people say. We are focused on ourselves. I don’t really care what people say. 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,” Havertz said (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “This will be my first knockout match in a World Cup. we’re hungry to win – it’s going to be a good match. In general, I like these big occasions and I feel comfortable in this context, and I hope to keep going. For that, you have to work hard and believe in yourself.”

class="wp-block-paragraph">“We players have a close relationship and we want to be able to bring out our best. I think we’ve known each other for a long time and I don’t think we need to get to know each other any better, but sometimes you need a bit of time to gel because you get used to playing with your club teammates, but I’m sure we can do very well (Monday).”

class="has-text-align-none wp-block-paragraph">An “us against the world” mentality might be just what this team needs to carry through to another round.

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