- The German National Team is getting ready for the Bayern Triplet
Following Joshua Kimmich's promotion to team captain post-appointment, national team coach Julian Nagelsmann initiated preparations for the Nations League opener against Hungary. At the initial training session in Herzogenaurach, all 23 players participated, with Jamal Musiala only participating in the warm-up.
Subsequently, due to load management, Musiala, Kimmich, and Aleksandar Pavlovic were given a rest. All three had featured in their respective Bundesliga club matches the previous evening, with Bayern Munich defeating Freiburg 2-0.
Training focus: Firm up Euro strategies
Nagelsmann and his coaching team aim to maintain the team's existing playing system and style until the Saturday (20:45 CET, ZDF) match in Düsseldorf, instead concentrating on strengthening the base built at the home Euro tournament. "We won't be introducing any new approaches, but will center on reinforcement, as we perform well at the Euros, but there are areas requiring fine-tuning," said Nagelsmann.
At least three new positions in the starting lineup will be necessitated due to the retirements of Euro stalwarts Manuel Neuer, Toni Kroos, and Ilkay Gundogan. Nagelsmann has confirmed that Marc-André ter Stegen will replace Neuer in goal.
Pascal Groß, the newly-signed Dortmund player, is the frontrunner to fill Kroos' position. "Pascal is one of the players who can fill that role like Toni did for us," said Nagelsmann. Nagelsmann has yet to reveal Gundogan's replacement in the offensive midfield.
Opportunity to shine for debutant Stiller
Angelo Stiller, the only new face in the Germany squad, will have the chance to make an impression in training. The 23-year-old from Stuttgart has had an impressive season and is deserving of a chance in the national team, according to Nagelsmann.
Following the opening match against Hungary, the German team faces the Netherlands in Amsterdam three days later in their subsequent Nations League match. Bosnia-Herzegovina is their other group opponent. Nagelsmann's singular aim is to lead the group.
The Bayern Munich trio of Jamal Musiala, Joshua Kimmich, and Aleksandar Pavlovic were given a rest due to load management after their club, Freiburg, faced Bayern in a Bundesliga match. In the upcoming Nations League matches, SC Freiburg might need to adjust their strategies without their key players.
