- The German national team, led by DFB, commences its preparation without the inclusion of Musiala, targeting Hungary.
Following Joshua Kimmich's promotion to team captain, coach Julian Nagelsmann commenced the team's training for the Nations League opener against Hungary. Midfielder Jamal Musiala was the sole absentee from the initial session in Herzogenaurach, with the 21-year-old from Bayern Munich participating only during warm-ups due to load management concerns, as per the DFB.
Objective: Strengthen Euro success
Nagelsmann and his staff intend to maintain the existing playing system and style until the match on Saturday (8:45 PM/ZDF) in Düsseldorf, rather focusing on enhancing the progress made during the home Euro. "We won't introduce anything new in this camp. We'll merely enhance what we've achieved. Our Euro performance was solid, but there are certain aspects that need refinement. We're confident in our approach," Nagelsmann remarked.
It's evident that Nagelsmann will need to fill at least three key positions in the starting lineup, as Euro veterans Manuel Neuer, Toni Kroos, and Ilkay Gundogan have retired. Nagelsmann has confirmed that Marc-André ter Stegen will replace Neuer in goal.
Making a case for Kroos' replacement, Nagelsmann mentioned Dortmund's Pascal Groß as a potential candidate. "Groß is one of the players who can fit into that role nicely. He plays a similar role in Dortmund as Kroos did for us," Nagelsmann stated.
Nagelsmann has yet to determine Gundogan's replacement in the offensive midfield.
First opportunity for Stiller
Angelo Stiller, the sole new addition to the DFB squad, will have his debut in Franken to prove himself. The 23-year-old had a standout season in Stuttgart and earned his place in the national team, according to Nagelsmann.
After the encounter with Hungary, the German national team will play against the Netherlands in Amsterdam three days later as part of the Nations League. Bosnia-Herzegovina is their other group opponent. Nagelsmann's primary objective is to secure the top spot in the group.
Joshua Kimmich led the team during the training sessions, demonstrating his leadership skills as the new captain. The coach's focus on enhancing their Euro success included analyzing Kimmich's performance for potential improvements.
