Julian Nagelsmann eager for next steps on Germany’s road to World Cup
Former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann has his eyes on the big prize for Germany — winning the 2026 World Cup.
This week, the Germans embark on their next steps toward achieving that goal with games against Slovakia and Northern Ireland. Nagelsmann is not apologizing for having lofty goals.
”I think it’s a healthy thing to declare a goal. It’s difficult for a team or for people in general to work and fight without a goal. It’s healthy for all of us to have the goal of becoming world champions. I also told the team that’s our goal. If any of the players think differently then they don’t even need to travel there. We’re focused on the process, we want to play game by game and find our rhythm. At the end of every process, it’s important to declare a goal, that’s what I did,” Nagelsmann said (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).Due to injuries, positional changes, and integration of new players, Nagelsmann’s roster is in flux and he would not reveal if he is planning to use a back three or back four system vs. Slovakia.
“We’ve always been flexible, there are phases during the game where you have to adapt to the opponent — sometimes with a back 3, sometimes with a back 4. Every opponent and every game requires something different,” said Nagelsmann, hinting that both systems were on the table.
The manager also has some key selections to make for his starting XI, including at striker — where Nick Woltemade is looking to establish himself.
“Nick has made a very normal impression. He’s very focused now that his transfer has gone through. He can also show himself to his new club and new coach via the national team. I haven’t decided yet whether he will start tomorrow,” Nagelsmann stated.
One player Nagelsmann will be counting on is Liverpool signee Florian Wirtz.”Flo is one of our most important players. He’s not a classic No. 10 that only wants to have the ball, he moves and works a lot. The phase before his move wasn’t easy for him because he had to think a lot. His performances at Liverpool so far were not so dominant but weren’t so bad either. He was the top star in Leverkusen with all the focus on him. Now at Liverpool he’s one of many stars, that divides the focus and the pressure on many players. It’s normal that you need some time at a new club, new league, new culture, new stadium. He will definitely still have great games, score goals and make assists. He can start that with us tomorrow,” Nagelsmann said.
