Rudi Völler likes to emphasize that Germany’s national football team is back “certain basics” needed to get back on the road to success. The appearance in the 3-1 (1-1) friendly win against the USA on Saturday was a step in the right direction for him.
“That passion, that greed that we always talk about, was on display again,” said the DFB sports director on Sunday in the Sportschau interview. “That is extremely important, without it football doesn’t work. The team spirit was also noticeable.”
The 2-1 win against France a month ago was very important as a new beginning. “Now we have followed up with a really committed performance, a really good game against a good American team. Winning 3-1 here is not a given,” Völler said in Philadelphia.
Völler praises Nagelsmann’s “clear plan”
The DFB team traveled there on a short charter flight after the game against the USA. The next test is in Philadelphia, the opponent is Mexico. Due to the late kick-off time on Wednesday night (2 a.m. CEST, live on Erste), Erste will show a detailed summary of the game at 9:05 a.m.
Völler said that the new national coach Julian Nagelsmann didn’t just give the team one “a certain carefreeness” but also with one “very clear plan” given new courage. “He has already proven in his positions over the last eight years how successful he can be. He has done that very well.”
Füllkrug raves about Nagelsmann
Under Nagelsmann’s predecessor Hansi Flick, the DFB team had recently delivered weak performances and results. “We hoped for a long time that things would continue with Hansi. But then we had to realize, as did I, that the burden of elimination from the World Cup had caused lasting damage,” said Völler. That’s why it was necessary for something new to come.
Nagelsmann also received praise from the players. “The things we tackle are important. The coach’s ideas are powerful and take us to the next level,” said attacker Niclas Füllkrug of the sports show.
Rotation against Mexico
Nagelsmann’s drive is also reflected in the tight schedule. “I don’t give the players half a day off. Maybe an hour,” said the 36-year-old. “We’re not here to whistle at La Paloma either. Now we’ve won one game. And it would be quite good if we won the second one too.”
Nagelsmann announced personnel changes for the game against Mexico because he wanted to see as many players as possible from the 25-man squad. The strain of travel and the upcoming league games should also be taken into account. “Of course a formation should be established”said Völler, “But of course you also have to take a little bit of consideration into the tasks the players have at the clubs – not that they get injured when they come back.”
However, Nagelsmann already has to compensate for one loss: Captain Joshua Kimmich returned to Germany early on Saturday due to a flu-like infection.