When the new national coach names his squad for the trip to America in the middle of the Bundesliga season with the international test matches on October 14th in Hartford against the USA and three days later in Philadelphia against Mexico, EM signals will of course be sent. What ideas does Julian Nagelsmann have in view of the four-time world champion’s major crisis? Can he take on the role? “Stroke of luck”as sports director Rudi Völler presented it, do it justice?
With Müller, without Müller, and if so, in what role? This topic had not only occupied Nagelsmann’s predecessor Joachim Löw and Hansi Flick intensively, but also the new DFB head coach himself during his time in Munich – including controversial debates. The decision seems easy this time, because Müller showed in the DFB jersey against France (2:1) and in the Bayern jersey against FC Copenhagen (2:1) how valuable he can be even as an elderly professional. Nagelsmann is unlikely to burn his fingers.
Will Mats Hummels return to the national team? And will Führich be invited?
There may even be a surprise in store. According to the “Bild” newspaper, Nagelsmann is apparently planning to bring former world champion Mats Hummels back into the national team. The 34-year-old last played for the DFB team in the European Championship exit in the round of 16 against England in the summer of 2021. Under Hansi Flick, the defender no longer had a chance. In contrast, his Dortmund colleagues Nico Schlotterbeck, captain Emre Can and Karim Adeyemi should not be taken into account for the next two international matches.
Another surprise could be the nomination of Chris Führich from Stuttgart. As the TV broadcaster Sky reports, the offensive player from the surprise runner-up in the Bundesliga will receive an invitation to play for the national team for the first time.
Nagelsmann has withdrawn
Nagelsmann took a step back for almost two weeks after his DFB presentation. Away from cameras and spotlights, he observed, sighted and planned. In the coming weeks he will not want to expose himself to the accusation of egocentrically rocking the football stage as a frontman. “We approach it with a lot of enthusiasm, great anticipation and a great sense of responsibility”said Flick’s successor about his motivation for the home tournament in eight months.
His task goes far beyond dealing properly with team senior Müller. Nagelsmann, who was unceremoniously fired at FC Bayern in March, has to give the completely unsettled DFB structure a structure again. The defense is longing for a clear distribution of tasks. Leon Goretzka is likely to return as a midfield option. Does this also apply to Timo Werner im Sturm, Nagelsmann’s former favorite student from his Leipzig days? Both had recently been given an involuntary break by Flick.
Gündoğan confirmed as captain
Confirming İlkay Gündoğan as captain and not pushing Munich buddy Joshua Kimmich back into office was a first diplomatic step. Dealing with the long-term injured goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is not yet urgent, but it will be a bigger task when the long-time number one is ready for action again. There was debate about a difficult internal relationship from the Munich days. An alleged rapprochement was recently rumored through contacts who remained anonymous.
Nagelsmann will be in demand as a pragmatist, as he was in his debut squad. Because there are not terribly many personnel alternatives. Hoffenheim’s Maximilian Beier has been mentioned here and there as an attacking option. The core will consist of the Flick staff – but this time without the injured Serge Gnabry (broken arm) and Kevin Schade (muscle injury).
National coach has to go Load control regard
The national coach is likely to rely on a larger travel group, i.e. more than the 23 players required for the European Championships. This could also be due to a diplomatic move. The load must be controlled. Borussia Dortmund is playing against Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga again less than 36 hours after returning from Philadelphia. “We will also make sure that the players stay healthy”promised Nagelsmann.