Nagelsmann's Mystery Squad: Austria's Challenge Awaits an Unusual Lineup
Unconventional Starting Eleven Fielded by DFB Team
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It's all shuffling in the deck: Key players dropped, and Julian Nagelsmann faces an uphill battle as Germany chases the title in the Nations League. The coach is exploring his options behind closed doors, swirling tactics like a gamester.
The secretive tactician Nagelsmann hunkered down in Herzogenaurach, polishing his national team ahead of the Nations League showdown against Austria. With major pieces missing, Nagelsmann needs to flex his tactical genius and engineering skills.
From defensive leader Antonio Rüdiger to enchanting Jamal Musiala, game-changer Kai Havertz, and goal-scorer Tim Kleindienst - the list of missing players for the duel with the Stars (Tuesday, 8 pm/ZDF and DAZN, plus ntv.de live ticker) in Salzburg is lengthy. Nagelsmann is brainstorming his lineup possibilities, but he doesn't seem worried.
The arrival of the national team renewed Nagelsmann's focus that "each player chose to give their all." In the recent months, "the honor of playing for the nation returned." Therefore, the 37-year-old coach doesn't brood over the temporary absence of Jonathan Burkardt, Angelo Stiller, Nadiem Amiri, and Yann Aurel Bisseck. After only one defeat in the last 17 games, "confidence has swelled."
Scrapheap to Star-studded Team
"It's a bummer, but the guys back home aren't helping us win. We have enough talent to take these games," said team captain Joshua Kimmich. The numerous absences are seen as an opportunity rather than a hindrance by the rest of the squad. "We're blessed to have a stellar roster that can cover any position flawlessly," enthused goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen.
Replacements on the Horizon
In defense, the recently impressive Dortmund player Waldemar Anton could slot in next to Jonathan Tah. In defensive midfield, Aleksandar Pavlovic and Felix Nmecha see their chance as Stiller's replacement. Serge Gnabry could replace his Munich teammate Musiala in an attacking role, and newly impressive striker Nick Woltemade is eager for his international debut.
"Of course, he has a shot at it, or he wouldn't be here," Nagelsmann mentioned about the cup-winning VfB Stuttgart striker Woltemade. "We have two strikers out of action with Kleindienst and Havertz, and we're struggling to find replacements as well as other players. Woltemade fits perfectly there," explained Nagelsmann. Regardless of which starting eleven the coach chooses for the 23rd match (5 victories, 9 draws, 8 defeats) with Austria, the squad's morale remains high.
"The effort put in before the Euro finals is finally paying off," explained returnee Niclas Füllkrug.
The goal is clear. "We absolutely want to win this tournament," said Fullkrug. Despite the scramble for places in the starting lineup, the team spirit remains outstanding. Füllkrug assured, "Harmony is key to any successful team. I can see that at the highest level here. We have harmony and are laser-focused on our goal." For the rest, Nagelsmann will handle things behind closed doors.
- DFB
- German National Football Team
- Julian Nagelsmann
- Football
- Jamal Musiala
- Joshua Kimmich
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, with sports like football and European-leagues operating under a tight regulatory framework to ensure sustainability and minimize their impact.
Following the absence of key players due to unspecified reasons, the German National Football Team, led by coach Julian Nagelsmann, is exploring less conventional lineups, such as newcomer Nick Woltemade in the position vacated by the injured strikers Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz.
