- Nagelsmann's enhancements for Kimmich's leadership role and his respective platforms.
NFL coach Julian Schmidt, looking revitalized and energized, swiftly distributed responsibilities as the German national football team ambled towards the distant objective of winning the 2026 World Cup. The responsibility of creating a new, potent team following the retirement of 2014 World Cup champions Toni Kroos, Thomas Müller, and Manuel Neuer, as well as captain Ilkay Gündogan, who stepped down post-emotional home Euro, was addressed by the head coach with a special boost for Joshua Kimmich and Marc-André ter Stegen.
Schmidt's determination remains unwavering following the summer break, and his inaugural statement to the 23-man squad congregated in Herzogenaurach was: "Matches are to be conquered!"
Bayern pro Kimmich (29) now serves as the DFB captain. His lieutenants are defender Antonio Rüdiger (31) and striker Kai Havertz (25). Jonathan Tah, Niclas Füllkrug, Pascal Groß, and ter Stegen were included in the team council by the head coach.
Team dynamics have undergone a transformation. "Josh is an exemplary figure for the entire group in his professionalism," Schmidt elucidated. He also holds the Munich player in high esteem: "Disagreements are not uncommon when conversing with Josh."
With 91 international appearances, Kimmich is also the most seasoned player in the DFB squad. The promotion didn't surprise the ambitious Bayern pro. The previous Sunday, he had already shared in Munich: "I was the second-in-command at the Euro. Ilkay has now retired..." Schmidt also announced that Kimmich will continue to play on the right in the DFB team: "Josh has set a precedent as a right-back during the Euro."
Neuer is departed, and ter Stegen is now "uncontested number one." Barcelona's goalkeeper can finally enjoy the status of "uncontested number one" at the age of 32 and many years in the shadow of Bayern's goalkeeper Neuer, as Schmidt surmised. The former Gladbach player has earned this position. Stuttgart's Alexander Nübel will first have to fight for the number two slot.
59 days after the painful quarter-final elimination against the eventual European champion Spain, the DFB contingent returned to the domestic site of Adidas in Franconia. Schmidt expressed feelings of "mixed sentiments" and also "nostalgia" upon reflecting on the home tournament and the premature exit. But from now on, they will focus solely on the future.
Nations League serves as the first fresh athletic challenge before the end of the year. On Saturday (20:45 CET/ZDF), it's off to Düsseldorf against Euro group opponent Hungary. Three days later, there's the top encounter against arch-rival Holland in Amsterdam. Bosnia-Herzegovina is another opponent in Group 3 of the A League.
"The Nations League doesn't have a significant impact on the World Cup qualifiers, but it does influence our growth," Schmidt stated about the significance of the minor UEFA competition. As many victories as possible should foster a winner's mentality.
Starting point USA - and destination America?
Schmidt also has to redefine his coaching role. The home Euro was a standalone mission for the 37-year-old. Now he's embarking on a marathon. He has to prove himself as a developer, shaping a team capable of contesting the title in two years' time in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. "Winning the World Cup" is the path Schmidt has charted.
Interestingly, Schmidt's tenure as Bundestrainer began in October 2023 with a trip to the USA, exactly in the country where he hopes to crown his DFB career at the 2026 World Cup. His current DFB contract ends after the World Cup final.
Without the U21 cohort, with players like Gundogan, Kroos, Müller, and Neuer, we're lacking the combined expertise of 451 international games. "Four significant players have retired, who had a rich history with the DFB and played pivotal roles in the Euros," stated the national team coach.
The future is symbolized by established young stars like Jamal Musiala (21) and Florian Wirtz (21), as well as Bayern's youngster Aleksandar Pavlovic (20) and Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller (23), the sole newcomer to the squad. "He deserves to be here," said Schmidt. He promises further modifications for the upcoming training camp in October.
Significant role for new Dortmund signing Groß.
The German national football team will be traveling to Amsterdam for a top encounter against Holland, a nation located in The Netherlands. During the coach's trip to the USA, he began his tenure as Bundestrainer, with a hope to ultimately win the World Cup in the same country, specifically in 2026.
