TM expert analyzes DFB team
© Imago
The German U21 juniors of coach Antonio di Salvo are fighting for the title at the European Championship in Slovakia, and FC Bayern and Borussia Dortmund want to cause a sensation at the FIFA Club World Championship in the USA. The DFB offspring and the Munich team have already been able to support their ambitions. It was different for Julian Nagelsmann’s senior national team at the Nations League Finals. The top duels against Portugal (1: 2) and France (0: 2) were lost, in the end there were 4th place and disillusionment. For the former national coach Jürgen Klinsmann, one year before the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico there is no great occasion for concern, as he expresses to the transfer market.
The two appearances against Portugal and France “describe that it will still be a long way to the World Cup in 2026. But that is also a good thing. The more problems you (the DFB team; i.e. red.) Now surround the team and is forced to take up these problems on the way to the World Cup and to form a community that is willing to take on the World Cup” TM expert in an interview with our editorial team.
The DFB selection not good enough for the top teams in the world? The 60-year-old does not see it that way. “In any case, she will get involved and does not have to fear anyone,” says Klinsmann and explains: “Of course, the Portuguese and Spaniards look very dominant at the moment, but there are also means of beating such teams. And when the Argentinians and Brazilians come, it will be really interesting.”
Most recently, the magic of Nagelsmann, who rekindled the fire around the national team and led his team at the home European Championship to the quarter-finals. The 37-year-old comes as the successor to Hansi Flick on a point cut of 1.83 and only twelve victories in 23 games. His quota is significantly below that of Berti Vogts (2.2), Joachim Löw (2.09) and “summer fairy tale” coach Klinsmann (2.06). Numbers that have no relevance – emphasizes Klinsmann: “This cut is not interested in anyone if Germany is successful at the World Cup. He will still go through some roller coasters, but I am convinced that the boys will follow him and give everything.”
Klinsmann: This is important in the DFB team up to the 2026 World Cup
The ex-striker living in Los Angeles (California) does not see the biggest challenge in defense or attack. “I hope Julian can rely on an extremely poisonous and aggressive midfield when it comes to the World Cup. The games are won or lost there,” says Klinsmann. With captain Joshua Kimmich (30), the most valuable German midfielder, which is valuable with a market value of 75 million euros, regularly plays at the back right. At the Nations League Finals, the experienced Leon Goretzka (30), Pascal Groß (34) and Youngster Aleksandar Pavlovic (21) acted in central midfield.
Nick Woltemade has incredible talent, but you have to give him time.
In the storm center, Tim Kleindienst (29) and the post -nominated Jonathan Burkardt (24) were injured, the hopes rested on Niclas Füllkrug (32), Deniz Undav (28) and vertical starter Nick Woltemade. None of them hit. The Woltemade, which was so strong in the past season, should not yet be put on too much responsibility, after all, the 23-year-old only played his first two A-internationals. “I think Nick Woltemade has incredible talent, but you have to give him time. The others are always good for goals and the opponent has to concentrate extremely on Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz. These two absolutely have to stay healthy,” says Klinsmann.
And otherwise there would be Gladbach’s small service, which had already demonstrated its value with four goals in six missions, but must first recover from a knee injury. Ex -goal hunter and coach Klinsmann analyzes: “Everyone has their strengths. I think Tim Kleindienst has made another leap and a lot will be related to her physical condition in one year.”
In Group A of the European World Cup qualification, Nagelsmann’s team has to deal with Slovakia, Northern Ireland and Luxembourg. All six matches are held between September 4 and November 17. The group winner solves the direct World Cup ticket, while the group second to the playoff round must be in March 2026. Actually there is enough time for the German national team to gain title maturity until the next major event. “We all want that,” says Klinsmann. “A lot depends on your internal atmosphere and hierarchy. You have to grow together and be willing to give the last shirt for others. Then we can keep up with everyone.”