National team - Big instead of Kroos - Nagelsmann's moderate changes
Julian Nagelsmann will not initiate a new March Revolution in the summer. His radical personnel changes from the spring, following the premature European Championship exit against Spain, make no sense for the German national team coach. Nagelsmann had already announced after the 1:2 loss in extra time against Spain in the European Championship quarterfinals that he would not "rebuild the German football team from scratch."
Concretely and necessary is only the search for a successor for Toni Kroos' position after his career ends. The German national team coach already has several options in mind for the Nations League matches in September against Hungary and the Netherlands.
No 1:1 replacement for Kroos possible
"Currently, there is no player who can replace him 1:1, otherwise he wouldn't be one of the greatest German footballers - if it were that easy, then Toni's value would be much lower," Nagelsmann said.
"He was a part of it and we now have to replace that part, which may not work immediately in terms of value, but we will find solutions that will enable the game to be driven forward in a similar way," described the 36-year-old the search profile.
As alternatives, Nagelsmann named Pascal Groß, who only played a backup role in the shadow of Kroos at the European Championship. The England professional from Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt, who was courted by both clubs, came on for 45 minutes in the 5:1 win against Scotland. "Clearly, he is 31, he is no longer the youngest, but he is one who can play a similar style," Nagelsmann said.
Two Bundesliga professionals with potential
And then there are still two promising players. Aleksandar Pavlovic (20) from Bayern Munich was kept out of the European Championship squad due to a recurring ankle injury. Angelo Stiller (23) from VfB Stuttgart has also been in the focus of the German national team coach for a long time. "In the end, it depends on the players to confirm the performance they have shown," Nagelsmann demanded.
In essence, the European Championship squad will determine the majority of the autumn squads. If the signs point to Thomas Mueller (34) and Manuel Neuer (38) no longer being part of the squad - regardless of whether it is with an official retirement or an unspoken DFB retirement - there will be partial changes. Marc-André ter Stegen has been ready as Neuer's successor for a long time. Stuttgart's Alexander Nübel is the prospective goalkeeper heir. Nagelsmann has little to adjust elsewhere.
- Despite Julian Nagelsmann ruling out a complete overhaul of the German national team, he acknowledged the need to find a successor for Toni Kroos once he retires.
- Nagelsmann mentioned Pascal Groß as a potential replacement for Kroos, praising his ability to maintain a similar playing style.
- The German national team coach also highlighted the promising young talents Aleksandar Pavlovic and Angelo Stiller as options for the future, emphasizing the importance of their performances to secure their places in the squad.
- Spain's early exit from the European Championship (EM) prompted Nagelsmann to rethink his approach for the German national team, with the focus now on finding the right player to fill Kroos' shoes.
- Nagelsmann's innovative approach to soccer and the German national team will continue to evolve, as he looks to foster a new generation of talent while ensuring a smooth transition after Kroos retires.
- The Netherlands and Hungary will be the next challenges for the German national team, offering an opportunity for Nagelsmann to test out potential replacements for Kroos in the Nations League matches in September.
- The European Championship represented a turning point for the German national team, with Nagelsmann using it as a catalyst for change and innovation in the search for new talent to strengthen the team for future tournaments.
