Despite Rüdiger’s positive attitude, Nagelsmann does not want to shake the hierarchy he has now formulated in the defense center. As a coach, you wouldn’t change the central defense from game to game, explained the national coach. “Because that’s something that’s very, very close to your heart and shouldn’t be constantly changed.”
But here too he underlined Rüdiger’s “important role”, even if he only came on as a substitute. Nagelsmann also gave his protégé a little bit of hope with a view to the future. “There will definitely be games where he plays from the start,” emphasized the coach, and also spoke of possible injuries and suspensions during a tournament. “But of course, if the other two (Tah and Schlotterbeck, editor’s note) remain stable, that’s it for now.” So Rüdiger has to be patient.
