EXCLUSIVE: Sami Khedira on his World Cup favourites, Ancelotti's Brazil, and Messi's heroics

Khedira, a world champion with Germany in 2014, spoke at length on the sidelines of an event dedicated to historic World Cup jerseys.

Are you enjoying this World Cup?

"Very much. As I said before, even though Italy isn't here, you can watch all the great national teams like Spain, Germany, and Argentina, but at the same time also smaller teams like Haiti and Curacao. That's the beauty of this World Cup: it brings together the big powers and the emerging nations."

What do you think of Spain in this World Cup?

"The first match against Cape Verde was a bit tricky for them, but we're talking about one of the main favourites to win it all. Spain has incredible players; they won the Euros, and I think they have everything it takes to win the World Cup again."

Germany in this World Cup? Can they go all the way?

"Absolutely yes. Germany has a very strong team and many top-level players. Of course, Schlotterbeck's injury is a big loss, but there's Rudiger, who is a real competitive beast, and it's fantastic to see him back on the pitch. Then there are players like Nmecha, Wirtz, and Musiala. If the team keeps this spirit and consistency, I believe they can go far in the tournament."

You mentioned Ancelotti. Do you think he can be Brazil's 'secret weapon'?

"Carlo is an extraordinary person, a great motivator, and he has a top-level staff. He makes you feel like the best. Brazil has a good team, even if maybe they're not quite at the level of Spain or France, which I consider among my favourites, along with Portugal.

"Just look at Portugal's midfield, it's impressive. In the end, though, what matters is the best coach, the best group, and the best team spirit. And Ancelotti can definitely make the difference."

Messi is 39 and still dominating the World Cup. How do you explain that?

"He's simply doing Messi things. If we talk about the last 20 years of football, we should all feel lucky to have seen Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo play. They have completely changed this sport and continue to influence it even today. Messi and Cristiano are very different from each other.

"Right now, Messi seems to be in better shape, but I still believe Cristiano will get back to scoring (interview conducted just before his goals against Uzbekistan) because he's incredibly competitive and Portugal have a very strong team.

"Maybe Messi doesn't have the same physical intensity as 15 years ago, but his technical quality is unchanged. What impresses me most, though, is his passion. He has won everything: World Cup, Champions League, Ballon d'Ors. Yet he still enjoys himself, celebrates with his teammates, and lives every match as if it were his first. 

"This love for football is what makes him, Cristiano, and Neymar so special and what makes all of us fall in love with this sport."

Italy have missed out on World Cup qualification for the third time in a row. What do you think of that?

"I'm not Italian, but I lived in Italy for many years and I feel a bit Italian. I love the country, I love the people, and I love Juventus. When you talk about Italian football, you talk about champions like Buffon, Chiellini, and Bonucci. Italy won the EUROs in 2021 and have an amazing World Cup history. That's why it hurts to see the Azzurri out of the World Cup for the third time in a row.

"Especially this year, I expected to see Italy on the big stage. With players like Bastoni, Barella, and many others, I thought the time had come for a comeback. Italy still have great players, but clearly something is missing.

"Now the right decisions are needed at the federation level: the right coach, a clear technical project, and above all, a big focus on youth development. That's why I really hope to see Italy back on the big stage in four years. The World Cup needs Italy."

What do you think about Juventus' situation? Can they get back to their former level?

"Of course they can. Juventus has always gone through tough times in its history. Not qualifying for the Champions League was a hard blow, but it can also be an opportunity to start over. But consistency is needed at the management, technical, and squad level.

"When I arrived at Juventus, there was already a solid core with Bonucci, Chiellini, Barzagli, Buffon, Lichtsteiner, and Marchisio. Then just a few players were added, like Mandzukic, Dybala, and myself. That group stayed together for years, and that allowed the team to compete at the highest level.

"I think that's what today's Juventus should aim for. I still believe in the club. Giorgio Chiellini is still involved in the project and I care about him a lot. I'm sure he's making an important contribution."

Do you think Spalletti can make the difference like Ancelotti?

"Honestly, I don't know Spalletti personally. What I can say is that he has been very successful in Italian football, so it makes sense to keep trusting him. When you choose a coach, you have to support him and give him time.

"To build success, you need consistency at the management level, stability on the bench, and a group of players who grow together over time. That's how great teams are built."