Mats Hummels says Germany were arrogant in Azerbaijan victory
Monday 27 March 2017 08:21, UK
Mats Hummels has suggested Germany produced an "arrogant" performance as they beat Azerbaijan 4-1 on Sunday.
The world champions made it five wins from five in World Cup Qualifying C thanks to two goals from Andre Schurrle and one apiece from Thomas Muller and Mario Gomez.
But they were given a scare in the first half as Dimitrij Nazarov equalised for the hosts in the 31st minute.
Despite the final result, Germany defender Hummels told RTL: "We made Azerbaijan look two classes better than they are.
"We were a little bit arrogant - I don't think that's good. That made the game much more difficult than it needed to be."
Schurrle, making his first international start since 2015, was also not entirely satisfied with the performance.
"It was hard work," he said. "We were too weak in the duels and we lost the ball a lot. But in the crucial moments we made it count.
"My performance is a lot about the confidence that Jogi Low gives me. I can go back to Dortmund with a good feeling."
Germany head coach Low said his side "lost their way" after conceding their first goal of the qualifying campaign, but was pleased with the response.
"We absolutely fulfilled our duty," he said. "It was like a cup game against a team from a lower division. If you don't go in at the top of your game, you make them stronger than they are.
"We've always clearly won against the smaller nations in the last years and that's down to the players that lead the team."
