Mark Flek will not just turn his back on SC Freiburg cup finalist this summer. The goalkeeper wants to play weekly with a view to the approaching World Cup, in order to stay in the picture with national coach Louis van Gaal. Fleks first came into action for the Dutch national team in March and seems to have good papers to travel to the World Cup in Qatar later this year.
“Look, as everyone knows, playing time at the club is very important for Louis van Gaal,” explains Fleks in an interview with The Telegraph† “See the situation of Georginio Wijnaldum. He plays little at Paris Saint-Germain and the national coach does not call him now. And that is why it is very important to me that I have a stable first half of the season next season, before the World Cup starts. Only then I stand a chance.” The two-time international of the Dutch will therefore not just make a summer transfer.
“Of course the World Cup has an influence on that. I have certainty of playing time at Freiburg. But also because of everything we have achieved with the club this season, a transfer is not yet in my head”, Flek refers to sixth place in the Bundesliga and the cup final against RB Leipzig on Saturday evening. “In addition, my family feels at home here and my wife also decides what is right for us and our children.”
“I now also take into account things that I did not have to think about five years ago,” the 28-year-old keeper admits. “Although I am realistic enough to say that I do not know what will happen in the future. I also have my ambitions and dreamed of the Champions League anthem as a boy. Next season I first want to confirm that I am not a one-hit wonder.” Fleks has been included by Van Gaal in the pre-selection of the the Dutch squad for next month’s Nations League matches. The final selection will be announced on May 27.
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