Agency Report
Munich (dpa) – Julian Nagelsmann is setting his sights on a first title as German national team coach in 2025, and believes that possible Nations League glory can boost the team for next year’s World Cup.
Germany will host the Nations League Final Four mini tournament in June if they manage to beat Italy in a two-legged quarter-final in March.
Follow Spain’s example
“There is no guarantee that you will be world champion in 2026 if you win the Final Four in the Nations League. But it’s also a small title that you can win,” Nagelsmannn has said.
The coach added that the Nations League title would be “a nice end of two important home tournaments.”
Nagelsmann was referring to Euro 2024 where his host team was narrowly beaten by eventual champions Spain in the quarter-finals.
It was the only defeat of the year for the Germans who have managed a remarkable turnaround under former Bayern Munich coach Nagelsmann, and have won back the hearts of the fans.
“The overall situation feels good right now and is fun. That’s not just down to me, it’s also down to the players. You can see that on the pitch,” Nagelsmann has said.
Nagelsmann has instilled a winning mentality again into the team led by young stars Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, captain Joshua Kimmich and experienced defender Antonio Rüdiger.
He hopes that his team can follow the example of Spain who won the Euros a year after their 2023 Nations League title.
Difficult quarter-final
But first come the dates with Italy, a team Germany have only managed to beat once at a major tournament, on March 20 and 23.
“It won’t be easy to start against such a top team after a four-month break,” Nagelsmann said.
Should Germany win they will face Portugal or Denmark in the semi-finals, and could meet Spain again in the June 8 final.
Kimmich named the Euro match with Spain, which Germany lost 2-1 late in extra time and after not being awarded a penalty over Marc Cucurella’s handball, “the most emotional international match” of his career.
“We would all like to play it again,” he said.
Beyond the Nations League
The outcome of the Italy tie will also determine Germany’s opponents in World Cup qualifying which they will start in June or September.
Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen will be back at some stage from a severe knee injury. The role of fan favourite striker Niclas Füllkrug appears unclear in the wake of injury and a difficult start at West Ham United even though Nagelsmann named him a core player.
“We have a core. And we are trying to keep it together because it was successful,” he said in general terms.
Sticking to a core of trusted players has helped Germany turn the tide, there are challenging youngsters like midfielders Aleksandar Pavlovic and Angelo Stiller, and the door is not closed for further emerging talent either, such as teenager Tom Bischof.
Bischof is said to be on a special list of potential players.
“We have developed a shadow squad and are in the process of developing it in more detail in case players are sidelined,” Nagelsmann said.
