“Didn’t mean it disrespectfully”
Criticism from Northern Ireland: Nagelsmann apologizes
October 12, 2025 – 10:29 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Julian Nagelsmann’s statements about the playing style of the upcoming German opponent were not well received by them. The national coach reacted.
National coach Julian Nagelsmann has apologized for his statements regarding the style of play of the Northern Irish national team. Before the DFB team’s new duel with the British in the World Cup qualification (Monday, from 8:45 p.m. in the live ticker on t-online), the 38-year-old said at the press conference: “I didn’t mean it in a disrespectful way.” Shortly after, he added: “If anyone took it as being disrespectful, I can say sorry.”
Nagelsmann continued that he has great respect for the Northern Irish team and the way they play. It’s a tough opponent who does his job well.
Background to the apology: After the German team’s 3-1 win in Cologne in September, Nagelsmann said that the Northern Irish team’s style of play was “not particularly nice to look at” and particularly pointed out the opponents’ many long balls. Words that had little resonance in Northern Ireland.
Ex-national player Stephen Craigan described Nagelsmann’s words as “a little disrespectful”. Northern Ireland coach Michael O’Neill also had little idea what to do with his counterpart’s analysis. Germany also played a lot of long balls, he made it clear.
The national coach did not want to finally reveal which eleven players Julian Nagelsmann would send into the race from the start in the game in Belfast. But there won’t be any major changes compared to the win against Luxembourg (4-0). “I haven’t decided on a position yet,” said Nagelsmann. “It could also stay the same eleven.”
The national coach also made it clear that the game at Windsor Park could be a tricky task for his team. “Everyone knows what’s coming. It’s an issue that the Northern Irish have been unbeaten here for two years,” said Nagelsmann. “That’s an impressive rate, that’s their fortress.”