Julian Nagelsmann stated the decisive sentence somewhat casually when asserting the squad for the European Soccer Championship: Issues may not go on like this, stated the nationwide coach, like they did on the final tournaments or on the worldwide matches on the finish of 2023. As a reminder: on the Germany was eradicated within the preliminary spherical of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, and the worldwide matches in opposition to Turkey and Austria in November 2023 have been clearly misplaced.
That is why Nagelsmann cleaned issues up earlier than the house European Championships: He not solely modified the squad, but in addition the distribution of roles among the many gamers and the choice standards. The place expertise or worldwide expertise have been nonetheless in demand underneath his predecessor Hansi Flick, Nagelsmann now locations extra emphasis on mentality and character. It is not nearly capability, however about want and supply.
You’ll be able to see this with two examples: Leverkusen’s sturdy tackler Robert Andrich is now chosen, though the 29-year-old solely has three worldwide video games to his title. Nagelsmann credit him with what he calls “the mandatory dirtbag mentality.” Andrich, just like ex-Bremen participant Niclas Füllkrug, is equally disagreeable for opponents and teammates as a result of he will get concerned and at all times needs to win.
Along with Rüdiger and Andrich, central defender Jonathan Tah from champions Leverkusen additionally has the understanding of being chosen. There are two ideas behind this from the nationwide coach. On the one hand, he was impressed by the TV documentary of the German basketball group, which sensationally grew to become world champions. Nagelsmann made certain that each participant knew precisely what their function within the event was prematurely. This avoids inside competitors and strengthens leaders.
Then again, Nagelsmann now needs to consider German soccer from a defensive perspective: After conceding too many targets in 2023, the group ought to be constructed as much as be secure in protection. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and the defensive triangle with Rüdiger, Tah and Andrich are in place, and Toni Kroos additionally has a safe place as a liaison participant to the offense. The remaining is shaped round it.
That can also be the rationale why veteran Mats Hummels is lacking: He’s an alpha animal, however wouldn’t have an everyday place within the protection. With a view to future tournaments, it is sensible to introduce youthful gamers. However they should show themselves by means of the membership. Like Nico Schlotterbeck: After weak worldwide video games underneath Flick, Nagelsmann at all times left Dortmund behind. Solely after sturdy video games within the Champions League is he now there – however he has to fall again within the hierarchy once more.
It is attention-grabbing who is not there: Marvin Ducksch, for instance, who performed in each November worldwide matches. Above all, his detrimental physique language within the months that adopted might have broken him, and he additionally scored too few targets. This can have an effect on Ducksch, but it surely was his personal fault. With Julian Brandt, who was born in Bremen, and Armel Bella-Kotchap, two very gifted gamers are lacking who have been unpleasantly seen within the Qatar documentary as a result of they have been late for a World Cup.
The unusual nomination by means of particular person bulletins on tv, in social media or at concert events may be discovered thrilling or annoying – however a minimum of the nationwide group bought what it had nearly misplaced: lots of consideration. Nagelsmann says he sees soccer as an leisure trade. After the preliminary staging, his squad now has to ship within the event.
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