Germany coach Nagelsmann talks about pressure and risk of dismissal: “I am brave”
After the defeat to Slovakia, the coach admitted the pressure is real but guaranteed he works with courage, not fear. Germany faces Northern Ireland next.
Nagelsmann responds to pressure after defeat
Germany’s World Cup Qualifiers campaign started badly with a 2-0 defeat to Slovakia, sparking criticism of the team’s lack of intensity. Coach Julian Nagelsmann was asked directly about the risk of being fired and his response was firm:
“Being afraid is never good. I’m brave enough and I still want to win every game. The team is important, not me. That’s why I’m not afraid.”
Demands more commitment from players
In a press conference, Nagelsmann revealed that he intensified communication with the squad, holding individual and group meetings to correct mistakes from the debut.
He didn’t hide his disappointment with the team’s lack of attitude:
“Maybe next time we’ll have to call up players with less quality, but who give everything on the field.”
The coach stressed that Germany needs more than just talent to succeed:
“I trust my players, but simply being better than the opponent isn’t enough if you don’t show will and desire.”
Germany’s next match
Germany now prepares to face Northern Ireland on Sunday (09/09), at 3:45 pm (Brasília time), in Cologne. The Irish started with a win over Luxembourg and hope to surprise the four-time world champions.
Until November, Germany will have decisive matches against Northern Ireland, Luxembourg and a rematch with Slovakia, needing points to stay in contention for a direct spot in the 2026 World Cup.
