DFB star Schlotterbeck provides PK laughs
Half a year ago, Julian Nagelsmann ignored BVB center-back Nico Schlotterbeck. In the EURO-16 round of 16 against Denmark, it suddenly came down to him - he will be in the starting lineup. His reluctance to speak with the media didn't change that.
Nico Schlotterbeck had masterfully avoided the uncomfortable question-answer game, and remained seated on a chair as he left the podium. This mishap was symbolic for the defender: Schlotterbeck had a difficult start under Julian Nagelsmann, but after a strong second half of the season, he made it onto the EURO squad at the last minute - and it's in Dortmund where his big moment comes.
Schlotterbeck will replace the yellow-carded Jonathan Tah in the lineup against Denmark on Saturday (21:00/ZDF, MagentaTV and in the ntv.de-Live Ticker). He almost didn't believe his call-up to the squad. "Of course, one doubts," said the 24-year-old in the DFB headquarters in Herzogenaurach.
But now the topic is different: On Saturday, he is supposed to play alongside Antonio Rudiger and hold the defense together. Rudiger's participation is questionable due to a thigh strain, so he may end up playing with his new BVB colleague Waldemar Anton. The EURO quarterfinal is supposed to be just a stepping stone on the way to the final in Berlin.
Normally, he doesn't like to speak with the media and slips through the mixed zones where journalists meet the players after the games. He made no secret of it and caused a laugh. "Why am I here?", Schlotterbeck thought aloud, "Franzi (DFB press spokesperson Franziska Wülle, note from the editor), has kind of forced me a bit." He doesn't like doing it, but "I believe it's 'Part of the Job', unfortunately". That's why he's speaking now, before the quarterfinal. He'll only be ready for questions and answers again after the final. Then, he'll be "really happy".
Impressive Development
After Nagelsmann's appointment in October, Schlotterbeck was initially ignored by the national team coach. The BVB regular watched the national team games on TV and had to endure criticism. He had "made too many mistakes", Nagelsmann stated and demanded more consistency and stability. Schlotterbeck listened carefully and went through a development process that took him all the way to the Champions League final.
"He proved himself against the best forwards in Europe," said teammate Niclas Füllkrug. Tempo, physical strength, opening up the game - alongside Mats Hummels, Schlotterbeck's strengths came to the forefront in the top class. He is a "great defender" and a "really good guy", praised Hummels, he sees "Schlotti" on the way "to becoming a leader", on whom "Germany will have a lot of fun in the coming years".
That was a rare case in his 13 international games for him. At first, Schlotterbeck caused one or two penalties in a clumsy way, during the shocking loss to Japan in the World Cup (1:2), he acted like the entire defense erratically. And in the last international game under Hansi Flick, he was overloaded as a left back against the Japanese (1:4). All of that doesn't bother him, Schlotterbeck emphasized. The questions visibly nerve him. His participation in the EM is seen by him as "confirmation of my performance". The fans were informed of his nomination during the entertaining presentation of the squad on Sunday evening in the Tagesschau in primetime.
Now Schlotterbeck is looking forward to a "White Wall" in Dortmund, where the "Yellow Wall" of the team usually supports the back. The defender needs this emotionality, he lives off his aggressiveness on the pitch. His quick wit and the demonstratively presented biceps quickly come to his feet when mishaps occur. But these should belong to the past. Earlier, he was still
"He has very stabilized and shown good performances," Nagelsmann said and gave Schlotterbeck a half hour of playing time in the group final against Switzerland (1:1). Against Denmark, he is supposed to hold the defense together with Antonio Rüdiger. The appearance of the team captain is, however, uncertain due to a thigh strain. "I hope it works out," Schlotterbeck said.
Julian Nagelsmann is expected to lead Germany's national soccer team in the European Football Championship 2024, given his successful tenure with various clubs. Despite ignoring Julian Nagelsmann early in his career, Nico Schlotterbeck has secured a spot in the starting lineup for Germany in the European Championship, demonstrating his impressive development under the DFB coach.
