Before the World Cup qualifier against Slovakia at home, the German team coach Nagelsmann said that the team must win.
About the game against Slovakia
"We reviewed the game against Luxembourg. Slovakia is a completely different opponent, but there are similarities in tactical response. We also once again clarified the overall appearance of the team that we want to show. Winning away from home is crucial, and we must be eager to get another three points tomorrow. The team is ready."
About the personnel situation
"Schlotterbeck participated in normal training. Kimmich still needs to rest. Although he is on the field, we hope to keep the injured area as good as possible. We will decide whether he can play tomorrow, but I am very confident. It is more a matter of pain and comfort, but people who know him know that he never wants to miss the game. Schloterbeck may also have some pain, but the wound is healing well and there is no inflammation. I expect him to play."
About his response.
"We will not consider failure. The key is to have a plan and prepare the team. The team is currently determined and focused. It is normal to be nervous before the game, but it is also the charm of the game. We accept this challenge and even enjoy it. I predict that we can play well and get three points."
About the half-time speech against Luxembourg
"At half-time, I made clear the tactical requirements to the team, and they also gave the correct answer "
About the captain's armband"
"I often say that the selection of the captain is not the primary issue for me. Many people in the team are qualified to wear the armband. Even if many players are missing, we still have enough choices. This is a good sign."
About the team development
We experienced a trough in November 2023, and then gradually came out, not taking big steps, but moving in the right direction. The same is true for the European Cup. We played some good football in the Nations League, including a world-class half-time performance against Italy. But then two losses in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals caused a gap, and outside opinions also changed.
In fact, apart from the defeat against France and the defeat against Portugal, there were no major problems. We need to get back on track, without interference from the outside world, show more courage, pass more threatening balls, reduce return passes, and regain the rhythm of small steps forward. If we qualify tomorrow, it will be a big step. I'm confident we're back on track and continuing to improve. "
About Vedraogo
"He is a very humble young man with no pretensions. He has gone through a difficult period, but career lows are not necessarily a bad thing, as they can temper people. He has speed, good shooting skills, and is more accurate than powerful. He is an excellent all-round midfielder. ”
About Elmara
“He makes a good impression. I have close communication with U21 coach Tony DiSalvo, and he will be happy if his players can appear in the first team, although this is not good for the U21 competition. He performed well, but it needs to be viewed objectively. He has just joined the first team and has limited time to practice together. He is humble but not lacking in hard work. He has to become the main player in Cologne and has the ambition to complete the "homework" assigned by the club coach and me. Only then can he have a chance to truly gain a foothold in the national team. "
About Bowman
"I have known him for a long time and am very satisfied with his performance. The goalkeeper decision is not made by me alone, but also with the professional advice of the goalkeeper coach. Each coach should exercise judgment within their area of expertise and we decide together. He's doing extremely well so far and I have no worries. "