Wück wants Germany players to improve gameplay ahead of Austria game

Germany women's national team coach Christian Wück is demanding that his players improve their gameplay ahead of the second World Cup qualifier match against Austria on Saturday.

Despite winning the first game 5-1 on Tuesday, Wück stressed that he wants his team "to become more confident and consistent in the basics.

"The basics include good passing, first touch, awareness, knowing where the opponent is, and where my team-mates are standing. Ideally, I'd like to see that as early as tomorrow," he said in a news conference on Friday.

Wück criticized the team's lack of "basics" after the first game against Austria.

"Above all, it's up to the players themselves. It's simply a matter of discipline to play passes not just from A to B, but at the optimal speed," Wück explained.

The players also have to keep pushing themselves to their limits "even if it might not be necessary," he added.

Wück spoke of "lifelong learning. That's why it's up to the players to keep pushing themselves to the highest level."

Following the withdrawal of Bayern star Giulia Gwinn (dislocated shoulder), defender Rebecca Knaak is doubtful for Saturday's match due to muscle problems.