Kimmich is probably missing
Nagelsmann doesn’t just want to win against the USA
October 14, 2023, 5:12 a.m
Julian Nagelsmann is still keeping his first international starting eleven a secret. The new national coach doesn’t just have the goal of winning against the USA. However, a regular player with a cold has to pass – as of now.
Julian Nagelsmann is aiming for two overarching goals in his debut game as national coach. The 36-year-old hopes that, in addition to a win against hosts USA in Hartford this evening (9 p.m./RTL), the first basic principles of his game idea can be seen on the football field after just a few days of training. It is important to “pair active and attractive football with a victory,” said Hansi Flick’s successor in the evening at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. In addition to the result, it’s about the manner: “We don’t want to be a team that just stands at the back and waits for the opponent to make a mistake. We want to provoke things.”
Nagelsmann remained silent about the first line-up of his DFB term. “In fact, I haven’t decided yet on the first team.” He wants to have a final consultation with his coaching staff. However, Bayern professional Joshua Kimmich, who has a cold, will not be able to play – as of now. The 28-year-old midfielder missed the last two training sessions, could only go for walks and was even isolated from the team so that he wouldn’t infect anyone.
The 25 other players, including four goalkeepers, are ready for action, said Nagelsmann. Marc-Andre ter Stegen will most likely be in goal. Nagelsmann said he didn’t feel any particular nervousness 21 hours before kick-off. The former Bayern coach seemed focused, with a touch of relaxedness. “I briefly practiced the national anthem again so that she was sitting,” he joked. After the game against the US team, the DFB selection will play another test match on their trip to the USA next Wednesday (2 a.m./ARD) in Philadelphia against Mexico.