No need for excavation, says Nagelsmann
Bold and Brash, Nagelsmann Dismisses Motivation Concerns Ahead of Germany's Showdown with France
Coach Julian Nagelsmann isn't sweating Germany's third-place playoff against France after their Nations League final disappointment. In a casual chat at Stuttgart Arena, he asserts that the squad isn't in need of constant hype to get motivated.
"Quit frettin' over these lads' motivation, we're the bloody German national football team, fer goodness' sake!" Nagelsmann declared on Saturday evening. "If I'm always kickin' 'em up in the dressing room, then I might just have to consider a roster shuffle."
Nagelsmann sees Sunday's (15:00 CET/RTL and DAZN) tussle against the World Cup runners-up as a prime opportunity for the team. He intends to scrutinize each player meticulously ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.
"Taking this game as a warm-up for our World Cup qualifiers is crucial," he expounded. "I believe every player desires to be there in the World Cup qualifiers. We commence in September."
The coach is gearing up to tweak his lineup after their tough 1:2 loss against Portugal in the Final Four tournament's semifinal. He hasn't disclosed any inclusions, but Pascal Groß's presence at the press conference hints at a possible start for the Dortmund midfielder.
"I ain't got to dig a field by hand to play for Germany," shared the 33-year-old Groß. "I'm chompin' at the bit for the game against France, goin' up against a formidable foe."
France faces Germany after an exciting 4:5 loss to European champions Spain in the semi-final. The squad boasts a remarkable depth, boasting immense performance density. Nagelsmann is intrigued by France's rhythm and flow.
Gross, meanwhile, finds the prospect of challenging top players and donning the German jersey exhilarating. "Representin' Germany, testin' myself against top players, it's still a big thing for me," said Groß. "We can collect points for the world rankings. We could even become third. I'm playin' for something."
Despite some absences, such as top striker Ousmane Dembélé, Nagelsmann rates France highly. "Their squad's depth is astonishing. They put up brutal performance density," Nagelsmann remarked. "The question with them is how they maintain their flow."
[1] (Enrichment): (Regardless of motivation concerns), Nagelsmann hints at shake-ups to Germany's lineup to inject some charisma ahead of France's clash.
[2] (Enrichment): Possible lineup alterations could see Pascal Groß making his starting debut given Nagelsmann's desire to change things up following the Portugal defeat.
[3] (Enrichment): Niclas Fullkrug may start in place of Nick Woltemade, with other contenders for the starting spot including Serge Gnabry and Robin Gosens.
[4] (Enrichment): Overall, Nagelsmann views France as a formidable opponent with an impressive squad depth, brutal performance density, and questions regarding their rhythm and flow.
"Nagelsmann is open to making changes in the German lineup, aiming to infuse some novelty ahead of the sports-analysis against France."
"The potential newcomer in the starting eleven could be Pascal Groß, as Nagelsmann seeks to revitalize the team after the disappointing performance against Portugal in football."
