Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann discusses his efforts to implement a footballing identity
He sees his side as challengers rather than favourites
Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz and other talented youngsters to lead new era at 2026 World Cup
No loud battle cries. No bold proclamations. No headline-grabbing quotes. With the fast approaching, Julian Nagelsmann spoke candidly to FIFA about “footballing identity”, the mistakes of the past, and the traits that need to make a comeback.
“Battling, fighting, that typical German mentality" are all attributes that Nagelsmann believes shaped the great German teams of the past, but that have perhaps been lost along the way.
“In general, German teams always used to have an intensive, physical style of play," he said. "We have maybe lost a little of that in recent years.”
For Nagelsmann, it is about recognising and understanding what a German national team stands for, rather than it just being about football. For many years, that meant an intense style of play to grind opponents down, both technically and physically. While not wishing to dwell on the past, that is exactly what he wants to bring back.
“We have to keep an open mind and embrace the influences of the modern game," he explained.
In contrast to previous World Cups, this Germany side may not be seen as one of the teams most likely to triumph in North America..
Nagelsmann does not shy away from that fact – yet that does not appear to have shaken the coach’s belief in his team.
“I see us starting the tournament as challengers, rather than favourites. And that can be something positive for us.”
It sounds like he is embracing an approach that will differ markedly from previous tournaments, dialling down the pressure and expectations, and focusing more on development and collective spirit. The German tactician likes to talk about trust, about letting young players take on responsibility and accepting that they will make mistakes.
“As in other walks of life, it all boils down to trust. You have to have faith in your players, and you have to believe that they will perform.”
Two shooting stars in particular have become the faces of this new Germany team: Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz. Both are creative players who are happy to take risks, and who can deliver in key moments that can decide the outcome of games. That said, Nagelsmann is demanding more than just a bold approach from the talented duo.
“Defending as a team is always the key to success," he said. “They know that they can make a difference, but they also know that they can’t win matches on their own.” He added: "[Young players who] are not burdened by poor performances at previous tournaments can go into a major tournament with a clear mind and show what they can do on the pitch”.
Nagelsmann will announce his World Cup squad in the next few days, and all the indications are that he will again plump for a mixture of experienced players and youngsters unburdened by the past.
It is clear that, rather than focusing on tournament favourites or setting targets, the perception of his team is far more important to Nagelsmann. At the same time, he emphasises that his reluctance to make bold predictions should not be confused with a lack of ambition.
“Every team that takes part in a tournament should be aiming to win it. That includes us.”
Nagelsmann evidently does not expect Germany to go to the World Cup simply to make up the numbers. Expectations will still be high – even if the coach prefers to view his team as outsiders – but the seriousness of the job at hand has in no way dimmed his enthusiasm. “We won’t be packing our cases too early, but we will try to make sure that we’ve got enough underwear with us for six weeks!”
On the impression he wants his team to leave at the World Cup, Nagelsmann concluded: “If people end up saying ‘Yes, that looked like a real German team, we should be pretty pleased.”
Sources: FIFA Official
