National soccer team: Nagelsmann Pokert: But Woltemade should “show”

Julian Nagelsmann makes a secret to the start of the German national soccer team into the World Cup qualification. The national coach did not want to reveal in advance whether he would form a triple or four chain in defense this Thursday (8:45 p.m./ARD) in Bratislava against Slovakia. “There can be both.”

In addition to the set Florian Wirtz, Nick Woltemade, who is particularly the focus after moving to Newcastle United, is particularly good on the offensive. “Nick made a normal impression,” said Nagelsmann after the short game preparation.

“The change is over. The national coach described the playmaker Wirtz, which was switched to FC Liverpool, the national coach as “one of our most important players”.

Nagelsmann: “The goal is formulated”

The four -time world champion Germany starts as a clear favorite in Group A with Northern Ireland and Luxembourg. Only the group winner directly solves the ticket to the 2026 World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the USA.

Nagelsmann confirmed the goal of becoming world champion in Bratislava one last time. “The goal is pronounced and formulated. But now it is important that we concentrate on the process,” said the 38-year-old.

Kimmich’s joy – Collins before debut

Captain Joshua Kimmich looks forward to his comeback in midfield. “I have the feeling that I can bring in my strengths even more. The input for the teammates can simply be larger,” said the 30-year-old in the nation stadium of Bratislava. According to Nagelsmann, Frankfurt Namdi Collins is an obvious option to experience his international debut in Kimmich’s previous position as a right -wing defender.

Nagelsmann has to get by on several injured top players such as Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Nico Schlotterbeck or goalkeeper Marc-André Ter Stegen. After the opening game in Bratislava, the second game in Cologne against Northern Ireland will follow on Sunday (8:45 p.m.).