Back to the drawing board for Nagelsmann after Germany's shock defeat to Slovakia
STUNNED: German players reflect on the tame surrender to Solavkia in their opening World Cup qualifier in Bratislava. Julian Nagelsmann's side entertain Northern Ireland on Sunday. Pic: Denes Erdos, AP
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann, who this week had set the goal of winning the 2026 World Cup, is rushing back to the drawing board following Thursday's shock 2-0 loss against hosts Slovakia in their opening qualifier.
Nagelsmann's team, which included big Premier League transfers Florian Wirtz and Nick Woltemade, were completely toothless in attack and error-prone at the back while lacking any game plan as the Slovaks dismantled them to inflict a first-ever away defeat on Germany in a World Cup qualifier.
"That was just not good enough from every one of us," Germany captain Joshua Kimmich said of their third consecutive defeat.
The Germans also lost to Portugal and France in the Nations League in June. Their next World Cup qualifier is at home to Northern Ireland in Cologne on Sunday in Group A, which also includes Luxembourg.
"We have a chance to do things better in three days," Kimmich said. "We have talked about the World Cup before this match but we first have to qualify. Because with performances such as this it won't work with the qualification."
The four-time world champions last won the World Cup in 2014 and have since failed to make any impact internationally. They were eliminated in the group stage at the last two World Cups.
Nagelsmann, who led Germany to the quarter-finals on home soil at Euro 2024, had said on Wednesday that setting high goals and wanting to win next year's World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, was a sign that the team was in good health.
After Thursday's bitter defeat, however, Germany fans are demanding more urgency and aggression from their team as well as immediate changes, including to their vulnerable backline with centre back Antonio Ruediger beaten for both Slovakia's goals.
It will also be key for Nagelsmann to find a playmaker, ready to take on the responsibility of implementing a clear game plan, with Germany badly missing a connection between defence and attack.
"I do believe that the players now feel what is needed (on Sunday). The entire team must carry that energy. If we are more energetic then we will have a better game on Sunday," said Nagelsmann.
"We did not show any emotionality in our game. In terms of emotions the opponents were miles ahead of us. We want to go to the World Cup but today we were miles away from that.
"I want to see that emotionality. We picked the best players in Germany but maybe we have to put less importance on quality and more on players who will give it all out there."
The Germans have not made an impact in major international tournaments since last winning the World Cup in 2014.
Nagelsmann's team were on the backfoot with the Slovaks missing a golden chance in the opening seconds with Lubomir Satka. Germany goalkeeper Oliver Baumann then denied Leo Sauer in their one-on-one with a superb save in the 21st minute in early warnings that the visitors did not heed.
Slovakia's offensive play paid off in the 42nd when Germany's Florian Wirtz lost possession and the hosts launched a quick break with David Hanchko completing it with a fine finish.
Germany, toothless in the first half, looked more aggressive after the break and Leon Goretzka came close. However, Slovakia struck against the run of play, with David Strelec sending defender Antonio Ruediger the wrong way before curling a shot past Baumann in the 55th.
"The first five minutes of the second half were a bit brighter but the rest was pretty grim," Nagelsmann said.
"I trust my team but they have to understand that simply being a better player than the opponent is not enough if you don't show willingness and desire. You won't get results with the handbrake on."
Reuters
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