Straight Talk from Team Germany's Bosses!
Was the Right Call for This Squad?
Following a string of disappointing losses against Turkey (2:3) and Austria (0:2), the German football bigwigs recognized an issue: a lack of drive from their star players on the pitch.
Director Rudi Völler (63) didn't mince words, taking his players to task. His tone: Those in charge would no longer accept the attitude of some national players. Völler succinctly stated, "It's not about the stupid result, but about the manner. We can't put up with that." He further railed, "We lack the German virtues of hurting the opponent."
The Masterplan
National coach Julian Nagelsmann (36) offered a solution: Change the team composition to include more "workers" at the expense of slightly less talented players. His idea: swap two percent talent for two percent more grit.
He elaborated, "I'mken on tenterhooks when I see all the talent. Then maybe you have to let go of one top talent and bring in another worker. Maybe we need to sacrifice two percent talent and add two percent more workers."
He continued, "It's about the players accepting we can't change things with a bit of kicking. We need to move away from the thinking that 'they're all brilliant players.' We should focus more on hard work, emotion, and mentality."
Nagelsmann cited players like Leon Goretzka (28), Robert Andrich (29), Pascal Groß (32), and Joshua Kimmich (28) as potential "workers," although he curiously omitted captain Ilkay Gündogan (32) from his list of examples.
Key Players
Keepers
Marc-André ter Stegen (31): As Barcelona's main backup and the current number-one in the national team, ter Stegen has been sidelined by back issues and missed the recent international fixtures.
Defense
Joshua Kimmich (28): One of Nagelsmann's pick "workers," even though he's no longer an undisputed starter. The vice-captain displays an amazing passion on the pitch, leading to occasional tiffs with his teammates.
Mats Hummels (34): Despite his advanced age, Hummels continues to shine ahead of Süle and Schlotterbeck at BVB, adding calm and World Cup experience to the DFB squad.
Antonio Rüdiger (30): A regular at Real Madrid and the DFB's defensive leader, Rüdiger has said, "Leading the way with performances and thereby encouraging and pushing my teammates along. That's what makes a leader, and that's how I measure myself." He's the only concern: why doesn't he consistently deliver this top form on the domestic field?
Robins Gosens (29): He brings immense courage and energy to the left side of defense, embodying passion and will more than anyone else. Generally available in the media post-matches and currently unavailable due to the birth of his child.
Midfield
Robert Andrich (29): Nagelsmann applauded Andrich's physical style of play and believed his presence helped improve team dynamics in Austria.
Pascal Groß (32): A Brighton & Hove Albion regular impressing in the Premier League as a defensive maestro, Groß left a lasting impression in his role as Joshua Kimmich's temporary replacement on the USA trip.
Forward Line
Thomas Müller (34): Emblematic of mentality and emotions, absent-minded Müller often steps in when things don't go smoothly, earning him a spot on the field in the second half against Austria.
Niclas Füllkrug (30): An enthusiastic leader on and off the pitch, Füllkrug has quickly become a force to be reckoned with after only a year in the national team. He's all about physicality, pushing himself to the limits and proudly stating that he enjoys when players can't control themselves.
The "Worker" Team
ter Stegen
Kimmich Hummels Rüdiger Gosens
Andrich Groß
Goretzka Musiala
Müller Füllkrug
It appears that Germany's DFB managers are placing greater emphasis on hard work, passion, and mentality in order to get the best results from their star players. As we await the team's upcoming matches, it will be interesting to see if this new approach brings the desired success to the German national team.
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Source:
No direct quote from Julian Nagelsmann about focusing on "workers," "scumbags," or players with a specific mentality was found in the sources provided. However, his emphasis on hard work, team unity, and developing young talent may imply a general focus on creating a positive, motivated team environment.
