After Germany’s 3-1 win against the USA on Saturday night, Julian Nagelsmann spoke on the performance of the team and where they could improve.
On the team’s performance, Nagelsmann said: “What I liked the most was that we stayed calm and did not become hectic or collapsed. Overall, we had a lot of courage, many good football actions and in the second half also more patience and possession of the ball in the opposing half. After the backlog, we wanted to turn the game too fast, there were too many balls gone. Ilkay Gündogan made an outstanding game, he wanted every ball, was also defensively good. We can still increase in high pressing, but we will. It wasn’t all perfect, but that’s good – I like to work.”
The former Bayern manager also emphasised how he would like the positive trend to continue in the Mexico game: “I‘m looking forward to the next episode. I am pleased for the team that there is positive feedback. It was important that we have a certain aesthetic in the game. Today it looked good, we played decent and passionate football. The basis for me is that they have fun. The national team is not everyday life, but passion and passion, I want to see, and that was good. It would be nice if the series continues well – with a happy ending would be even better.”
Ahead of the Mexico game on Tuesday, Nagelsmann gave an idea of what the preparation for the game will entail: “I won’t give them half a day off, maybe an hour – we’re not here for La Paloma whistles. We’re going to change something against Mexico, because I want to see everyone in the game as much as possible, not only in training. In November, it might be a little different.”
Nagelsmann’s first game as Germany coach got off to a bad start when Christian Pulisic gave the US the lead in the first half. Germany would reply when İlkay Gündoğan latched onto a rebounded Leroy Sané effort. In the second half, Germany gained more control and would take the lead from Niclas Füllkrug before Jamal Musiala secured the win three minutes later.
Stuttgart’s Chris Führich was the only new call-up to make his debut against the US. The 25-year-old was subbed on in the 81st minute. Robert Andrich or Kevin Behrens may get their chance to play against Mexico, where Germany travel to Philidelphia to face them on Tuesday.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
