Nagelsmann blocks the superjoker debate
German football fans are particularly intrigued by a question during the week: Who will start in the striker position for the German team against Denmark in the EM-Quarterfinals? Julian Nagelsmann, the German team coach, has made his decision but refuses to reveal it. He doesn't have to change the entire defensive line, though.
Niclas Füllkrug or Kai Havertz: Who will start in the striker position? Nagelsmann made his decision, he said before the EM-Quarterfinal clash against Denmark on Saturday in Dortmund (9 p.m./ZDF, MagentaTV and ntv.de in the liveticker). However, he wouldn't disclose who will represent the German football team. "We as the coaching team decide who plays," said the 36-year-old, "I won't reveal anything beforehand."
There were rumors in the media about a possible change. It was reported that Superjoker Füllkrug could be brought into the starting lineup and replace Havertz. The BVB striker had scored the equalizer in the third group game against Switzerland in stoppage time. So far, "Lacuna" has an excellent goal record in the DFB jersey: In 19 games, he scored 13 goals. However, he stood out as a joker, which is why Nagelsmann had recently held on to Havertz from Arsenal as the central striker. DFB sports director Rudi Völler had also stated during the week that Arsenal star Havertz had performed "exceptionally well" in his role.
Meanwhile, Nagelsmann can plan with the injured defensive leader Antonio Rüdiger for the EM-Quarterfinal. "It looks like he's fit. If nothing happens, he can play tomorrow," said Nagelsmann. The defender from Real Madrid had sustained a thigh strain during the group final against Switzerland. It was reported during the week that the coaching team would evaluate the situation daily and make a decision only shortly before kickoff.
"We are well-prepared"
Nagelsmann had kept the starting lineup unchanged in all three group games against Scotland, Hungary, and Switzerland. However, for the quarterfinal against Denmark, he will be forced to make a change: Defender Jonathan Tah is suspended. In his place, BVB Champions League finalist Nico Schlotterbeck is expected to join the team.
After the group stage, Nagelsmann sees the German team well-equipped for the knockout round. The group stage was interesting, and the three games were very different. The thrilling 5:1 victory against Scotland "was easier than we had expected." The 2:0 win against Hungary was "more complicated." And the game against Switzerland with the late equalizing goal was "a bit more challenging," according to Nagelsmann, due to the late equalizing goal. "We had to deal with many different things during the group stage," he said, "which is why we are well-prepared for the knockout round."
Meanwhile, there are concerns about the Danish national team regarding their playmaker Christian Eriksen. National coach Kasper Hjulmand confirmed in the evening that the midfield conductor of Manchester United and record national player had complained about stomach and intestinal problems and therefore missed training. "He's feeling better. We expect him to play tomorrow," said Hjulmand.
The European Football Championship 2024 is surely an exciting prospect for football fans across Europe, with the German team aiming to perform well, guided by coach Julian Nagelsmann. Despite the suspense surrounding the striker position for the German team against Denmark in the EM-Quarterfinals, Nagelsmann is keeping his decision close to his chest, refusing to reveal any details.
