Nagelsmann: only the world title will silence Germany’s critics
The German national team face Paraguay in the round of 16 of the World Cup – and coach Julian Nagelsmann is tired of justifying the team’s performance. For him, there is only one possible answer for the sceptics: win everything.
No middle ground: win or stay under pressure
On the eve of the clash against the Paraguayans, scheduled for Monday near Boston, Nagelsmann got straight to the point. “In football it’s all about winning. If you win, everything is perfect. If you lose, everything goes down the drain. So we have to win tomorrow,” the coach declared at a press conference.
Germany advanced as leaders of Group E with some comfort – 7-1 over Curaçao and a 2-1 comeback against Ivory Coast – but a defeat in the final group game to Ecuador reignited doubts about the team’s level. The side have not got past the round of 16 since 2014, when they won the title. “I want the players to free themselves on the pitch and show what they are really capable of doing.”
Havertz up front and the trio that has not clicked yet
Despite Deniz Undav having impressed coming off the bench – three goals and two assists in the first two games – Kai Havertz is expected to start as the centre-forward. The Arsenal striker is a frequent presence on big occasions. He played in two Champions League finals, scoring in both: one for Chelsea, the other for the Gunners. At the World Cup, he is still looking to reproduce that leading role.
“In general, I think I feel more comfortable on the big occasions. I can’t explain why. It just happens,” said the player. Havertz found the net twice in the rout of Curaçao, but the combination with Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala – devastating at Euro 2024, played at home – has not yet been repeated at the World Cup.
The reasons are well known: Havertz and Musiala struggled with injuries throughout the season, while Wirtz faced the challenge of adapting to the Premier League after a multi-million move to Liverpool. Even so, the trio remain confident. “We know we haven’t delivered everything yet. But we are very close,” Havertz stated.
A manageable opponent – and then, perhaps, France
Paraguay finished third in their group, which means Germany start as clear favourites. But Nagelsmann does not even want to hear talk of an easy ride. The coach himself acknowledged that his team committed “tactical suicide” against Ecuador, even after opening the scoring. An upset in the knockout rounds would be a catastrophe of historic proportions for German football.
And the context does not help anyone relax: in case of qualification, the Mannschaft could cross paths with France in the quarter-finals – a rival who arrive at the tournament among the favourites. Nagelsmann chose not to rest starters in the last group game, unlike other coaches, and insists the team is in full form. “When I looked at training, I can say I’m very satisfied. The lads will play at their best level tomorrow,” he concluded.
