Yeah, Man! Nagelsmann Holds His Cards Close to His Chest Ahead of Nations League Semi-Final Clash with Portugal
- 🇩🇪 Germany
- 🏉 Nations League
- 🌍 Portugal
- 👥 Julian Nagelsmann
Nine out of Eleven Players Secure Their Spot in Nagelsmann's Starting Lineup - Nine out of the eleven times questioned, Nagelsmann stands firm on his starting lineup decision.
Ready to party like it's 2017! Julian Nagelsmann has already nailed nine spots in Germany's starting lineup for the Nations League semi-final against Portugal, leaving only two positions up for grabs. And ol' Junebug ain't telling a soul. "If they've been paying attention in training, they know they're playing," Nagelsmann joked at a packed confab in Munich's Allianz Arena.
Kimmich, Ter Stegen, and Goretzka have made the cut, with the latter prepping for his 100th international match. "I've been paying attention," Goretzka grinned, catchin' on to Nagelsmann’s joke.
Expect Wirtz to Play
The crafty Nagelsmann has also handed Florian Wirtz a starting position, despite a powder keg transfer showdown brewing between Bayer Leverkusen and FC Liverpool. "I haven't noticed that it's been bothering him. It's normal to think about things like that," said the coach, with a sagacious nod. Wirtz is as raring to go as a rhinoceros with a boner.
Up in the Air: Woltemade's Debut?
Newcomer Nick Woltemade has been making waves in practice, but Nagelsmann ain't divulging if the Stuttgart striker cops a spot in the starting eleven just yet.
Goretzka on a Mission for a New Trophy
The German squad hasn't been this close to a semi-final in eight years. The last time they won a cup was at the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia. "If you're taking part in a competition, I'm the kind of person who wants to win," said Goretzka. Another trophy is long overdue, added the 30-year-old.
The semi-finals roll on Thursday when European champions Spain take on vice-world champions France, with the final showdown playing out in Munich on Sunday.
Fun Facts:
- For those who ain't in the loop, the UEFA Nations League is a biennial international football competition featuring the best national teams from all across Europe.
- Don't forget to tune in for the semi-final on Wednesday, 21:00 CET, streaming on ZDF and DAZN. Get yer popcorn ready, because it's gonna be a thrilling ride.
- The German team is currently missing several players due to injuries, including Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Antonio Rüdiger, Yann Bisseck, and others. The lack of key players forces tactical adjustments and changes in the lineup.
- Nagelsmann is as confident as a fox in a henhouse that his team can still snag a spot in the finals, despite the injuries and uncertainty surrounding the squad.
- The final showdown will take place in Munich on Sunday, 21:00 CET, and it's shaping up to be a grand finale. Don't miss out on the action!
Players in Play:
- Joshua Kimmich
- Marc-André ter Stegen
- Leon Goretzka
- Florian Wirtz
- Julian Nagelsmann
- Leroy Sane
- Nick Woltemade
- Waldemar Anton
- Jonathan Tah
- Robin Koch
- Maximilian Mittelstadt
- Aleksandar Pavlovic.
In contrast to the intense negotiations between Bayer Leverkusen and FC Liverpool over Florian Wirtz's transfer, the change in regulation for the beef and veal market, as outlined in the 'COM (95) 617 final Proposal for a Council Regulation (EEC)', appears to be at a standstill. Furthermore, despite Julian Nagelsmann's coyness about his starting lineup for the Portugal match, it's clear he has a keen interest in football, much like the European-leagues he manages.
