Former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann is ready to face off with Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday as the German national team kicks off this slate of UEFA Nations League games on the road.
“I think it’s healthy that we don’t only get used to the top stadiums in Europe. It’s important that the pitch is in a decent condition. There will be very loud and frenetic spectators there, and we’re looking forward to that,” Nagelsmann said (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
For these matches, Nagelsmann will be shorthanded with more as multiple German players have been sidelined with injuries.
”As a coach, you can look at it from two sides: either you complain or – the view that I take – see it as a good opportunity for the core team that was at the Euros to transfer the atmosphere that we had there and the way we played recently to the newly assembled team. For the players who are new or who have played less recently, it’s a chance to get playing time,” Nagelsmann. “I have no different expectations than recently: That we play a good game and show that we are proud to play for Germany, that we give everything we have in terms of character and that we win the game in the end.”
One of the big questions for Nagelsmann with his with who will play striker given the absences of Kai Havertz and Niclas Füllkrug. Tim Kleindienst and Jonathan Burkardt are the prime contenders.
Nagelsmann, though, played coy when asked the question: “You can expect one of them to start.”
One player who will definitely start is Bayern Munich loanee Alexander Nübel, who is on loan this season with VfB Stuttgart.
“Of course, the anticipation outweighs everything else. I’m really looking forward to playing the game tomorrow. Of course there’s a bit of nervousness as well, but I’m really looking forward to tomorrow night,” said Nübel.
Looking for some thoughts on where things stand for the German national team ahead of the games against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands? Great, then check out our Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show on Patreon, Spotify, or below:
