Julian Nagelsmann doesn’t have to tinker much with his squad. He has already taken the decisive steps. Only Kroos’s resignation leaves a gap. The national coach has named alternatives.
Julian Nagelsmann is not planning a new March revolution in the summer. Repeating his radical personnel changes from the spring after this, albeit ultimately too short, European Championship rush makes no sense for the national coach. Nagelsmann had already announced that the national football team would not be “reshuffled” immediately after the 1:2 defeat after extra time in the European Championship quarter-final against Spain.
The only concrete and necessary thing is the search for a successor for Toni Kroos’ position after the comeback king’s retirement. The national coach has several options in mind in view of the Nations League games in September against Hungary and the Netherlands.
No 1:1 replacement for Kroos possible
“It is currently difficult to find a player who can replace him 1:1, otherwise he would not be one of the greatest German footballers – if that were so easy, then Toni’s value would also be far too low,” said Nagelsmann.
“He was a part and we now have to replace that part, which may not work immediately in terms of value, but in the long term we will succeed in finding solutions that will carry the game forward in a similar way,” the 36-year-old described the search profile.
Nagelsmann named Pascal Groß as an alternative, who only played a backup role at the European Championships in Kroos’ shadow. The England professional, who is being courted by Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt, played 45 minutes in the 5-1 win against Scotland. “Sure, he’s 31, he’s not quite the youngest anymore, but he’s someone who can play a similar style,” said Nagelsmann.
Two Bundesliga professionals with prospects
And then there are two promising players. Aleksandar Pavlovic (20) from FC Bayern was only prevented from participating in the European Championships by a recurring bout of tonsillitis. Angelo Stiller (23) from VfB Stuttgart has also been in the focus of the national coach for a long time. “In the end, it is up to the players to confirm the performance they have shown,” demanded Nagelsmann.
Essentially, the European Championship squad will also determine the majority of the autumn squads. If there are increasing signs that Thomas Müller (34) and Manuel Neuer (38) will no longer be part of the squad – regardless of whether this is due to an official resignation or an unspoken DFB retirement – there will be partial changes. Marc-André ter Stegen has long been ready to replace Neuer. Stuttgart’s Alexander Nübel is the prospective goalkeeper heir. Nagelsmann doesn’t have to make many more adjustments.
Source: Stern
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