This is precisely the scenario that Nagelsmann fiercely wanted to avoid. With the injury of Nico Schlotterbeck, the national coach now has to become creative.
Over three months ago, the 38-year-old made it clear that this loss would be the most unfavorable outcome.
When asked about the goalkeeper position, Nagelsmann explained in an interview with kicker back in March: “There are a few other positions where I have more anxiety.”
Rüdiger and Anton: Not Ideal Solutions
The national coach specified: “There are a few positions that are doubly not ideally filled, where we honestly need to be a bit creative. In central defense, we have a situation with Nico Schlotterbeck, who is currently our only left-footer, and we’ve had huge problems with build-up play when he hasn’t played.”
Now the worst-case scenario has occurred: Schlotterbeck’s participation in the World Cup is over due to a ligament tear. “Schlotti will be missed on the pitch as an outstanding defender—especially because of his excellent build-up play,” Nagelsmann stated after the diagnosis was announced.
Antonio Rüdiger is considered the first replacement, and Waldemar Anton is also ready. However, neither of them is seen as an ideal solution for understandable reasons.
The Importance of Schlotterbeck
Schlotterbeck is crucial for the build-up play of the DFB team. His strong left foot makes him the perfect fit for the left center-back position. The 26-year-old can quickly navigate vertical passes to bypass opponent lines.
His diagonal passes significantly alter the dynamics of the German game—something neither Jonathan Tah nor Rüdiger can replicate with the same frequency and quality.
Previously, opponents had to adapt to this scenario, which prevented them from defending compactly and required additional wing coverage. This also benefited central creative players like Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and Kai Havertz by creating more room for them to operate.
With these crucial passes likely to become less frequent, opponents may find it easier to close down the middle, effectively push Germany back from their own goal during build-up.
World Champion Chris Kramer noted that the (right-footed) center-back now needs one more contact in the left defensive center—this, too, negatively impacts the tempo of the game.
Nagelsmann’s Creative Challenge
This exact quality will now be sorely missed by the DFB team during this World Cup. Schlotterbeck’s profile is among the rarest in Europe, making it difficult to compensate for his absence.
Nagelsmann foresaw this worst-case scenario: “Nevertheless, we must prepare for what happens when he is unavailable,” he told kicker. Now that scenario has indeed played out.
He will now have to demonstrate the resilience of his preparation against Ecuador this Thursday.
