"Nagelsmann's statement: 'There's no need for anyone to unearth a plot'"
Gearing Up for the Showdown: Nagelsmann's Lineup Shuffle Against France
Julian Nagelsmann, Germany's coach, finds no reason for a lack of motivation in the third-place playoff against France after their unsuccessful bid for the Nations League final. In a conversation at the Stuttgart Arena, he shared, "It's still the German national football team... It's beautiful, something we enjoy doing."
The Third-Place Match: A Tool for Growth
The third-place clash is more about readying for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, climbing world rankings, and maintaining rhythm, rather than merely taking third place. Nagelsmann intends to scrutinize each player closely, commenting, "I assume that every player also wants to be there in the World Cup qualifiers."
In the wake of a disheartening 1:2 loss against Portugal in the Final Four tournament semi-final, Nagelsmann plans to modify the lineup. Though he withheld names, the presence of Pascal Groß at the pre-match conference suggests that he'll be one of the new starters.
"I don't need much motivation to play for Germany," said Groß. "I'm eagerly anticipating the match against France." After their heart-stopping semi-final defeat against European champions Spain, the World Cup runners-up have much to prove.
Gearing Up with Great Expectations
"Measuring myself against top players, representing Germany, is a major deal for me," expressed Groß. "We can add points to our world rankings. We can secure third place. So, I'm eager to play."
Nagelsmann admires France despite key absences, such as top striker Ousmane Dembélé, praising their squad depth and fierce performance intensity. "The question with them is how they're in their flow," Nagelsmann reflected.
Behind the Scenes: Enriching the Picture
- Lineup Changes: Nagelsmann is contemplating a switch from the 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 formation used against Portugal to a 4-2-2-2 against France.
- Defensive Adjustments: Waldemar Anton might lose his spot, with David Raum entering the lineup. Jonathan Tah and Robin Koch are likely to keep their positions.
- Midfield Alterations: Pascal Groß is expected to replace Aleksandar Pavlović, joining Leon Goretzka in a double-pivot role. Joshua Kimmich will also feature in midfield.
- Attack Changes: Niclas Füllkrug, returning from injury, may start, potentially alongside Deniz Undav. Leroy Sané or Serge Gnabry could rotate into the starting lineup instead. Nick Woltemade, who debuted against Portugal, might not retain his spot.
- Winger Roles: Karim Adeyemi is likely to start, with Florian Wirtz appearing in a more advanced midfield role.
These alterations aim to counter France's strategies and position Germany better to win the ball higher up the field.
"Despite the disappointment from the Nations League final, our focus now shifts to the third-place match against France, a chance to grow and prepare for the World Cup qualifiers," said Julian Nagelsmann, Germany's coach.
Pascal Groß, one of the potential new starters, added, "Playing for Germany is a significant opportunity for me, whether it's against France or any other top team. I'm looking forward to contributing to our world rankings and potentially securing third place."
