After the win against Luxembourg, the DFB team wants to take the next step towards the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico against Northern Ireland. National coach Julian Nagelsmann seems to have found his defensive line for this.
When Germany meets Northern Ireland in Belfast on Monday evening at 8:45 p.m. (in the audio stream and ticker on sportschau.de), national coach Julian Nagelsmann will trust that, among other things “I have rarely been so fit” Nico Schlotterbeck. At the press conference before the duel in Windsor Park it became clear how close the relationship has become over the years. “I’m happy that he now relies so much on me”emphasized the central defender, “The mutual appreciation is great.”
There is currently not much to see of the shaky defender, who was always good for a few extra gray hairs among coaches and fans – like back at the World Cup in Qatar, when Schlotterbeck didn’t play well, especially against Japan.
Most recently, the 25-year-old had to miss five and a half months due to a torn meniscus. A difficult time for the left-footed player, in which the national coach did not forget the defender: “He accompanied me a lot during rehab and asked how I was doing.” This interest seems to have been good for Schlotterbeck.
Schlotterbeck feels fitter than ever
Both of them repeatedly emphasized how easy it was to work together and communicate. “You always know what Julian wants from you, what he wants to get on the pitch.” In addition, Nico Schlotterbeck is apparently in top shape after his injury. The central defender answered questions about his health that he had never been in such good condition.
After the 4-0 win against Luxembourg, Nagelsmann seems to have found his defensive formation for the time being. Double goalscorer Joshua Kimmich and goal debutant David Raum frame the central defender duo Jonathan Tah/Schlotterbeck. The 38-year-old was also with Tah “super satisfied”. The New Munich Tah has recently stabilized more and more “Schlotti is Schlotti – confident and good.”
Kimmich and Co. rave about the positive team feeling
Schlotterbeck probably has nothing against this line-up. Because the Dortmund defense chief feels comfortable at his colleague Tah’s side. “We complement each other really well. I really enjoy playing with him. For me, playing with the ball is perhaps even more interesting, but he’s the better defender.”
Good atmosphere: Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck are the new German duo in central defense
The high level of appreciation currently applies to the entire team and, according to captain Kimmich, could also be a trump card in the Northern Irish fortress of Windsor Park. Despite the 3-1 first leg win, it won’t be easy there. Coach Michael O’Neill’s team has been unbeaten at home for almost two years.
Dirk Pietsch, Sportschau, October 12, 2025 9:48 p.m
According to a statement from Nagelsmann after the first leg, the mood on Monday could perhaps even become a bit more heated. The national coach had one for the Northern Irish in Cologne “unsightly football” attested. When asked by a Northern Irish journalist about this topic, the DFB coach replied that he did not mean it disrespectfully, but rather emphasized how well they play their style of play and how difficult the team is to beat.
Northern Irish media outraged by Nagelsmann’s criticism
The national team will find out whether the Northern Irish fans accept this apology by Monday evening at the latest. In any case, Nico Schlotterbeck is looking forward to the atmosphere: “As a footballer, you wait for games like this. I know it from Dortmund, where we play in front of 80,000 people every other week. It’s smaller here, but certainly just as loud.”
BVB coach Niko Kovac praises Schlotterbeck after his comeback
Speaking of Dortmund. His coach Niko Kovac was also impressed by Schlotterbeck’s comeback: “Compliments to his attitude after the long injury, which was also mentally very exhausting”said Kovac after his return on matchday 4 against Wolfsburg. The BVB fans also appreciate that. Comments like “The boss is back” became increasingly common on social media. or “Goosebumps, our best friend is back.”
So it’s good for Nagelsmann that Schlotterbeck is back. After the long absence of top performer Antonio Rüdiger, he gives the DFB defense much-needed stability, which was badly missed in the botched game against Slovakia. In addition, his understanding of the game opens up additional opportunities for the offense.
But Schlotterbeck cannot rest on all the praise. Because Julian Nagelsmann also wants to keep all doors open for players like Waldemar Anton and Co.: “In the end, the ones we have the best feeling about play. Everyone is welcome to give it their all and put the two of them under pressure.”