News (engl.)

The Germany national team take to the pitch once again on Sunday evening as they face Italy in the second leg of their Nations League quarter-final tie. Head coach Julian Nagelsmann and goalkeeper Oliver Baumann spoke about expectations for the game and the opponent ahead of the clash.

Julian Nagelsmann on...

…the state of play: Some tactical adjustment is needed but we aren’t going to tweak too much. There will be one or two changes to the starting line-up, for sure. Jonny Burkardt is ill and therefore unable to train today so we are not sure if he will be fit for tomorrow. Final decisions in terms of the squad will be made following our training session.

…team set-up: We still need to look at how we are going to approach the game. The question is whether we want to look to build on our lead or try and make sure of what we have and that decision still needs to be made.

...Leon Goretzka: Leon played really well, scoring a goal but also getting into the positions for further chances. He benefitted us both going forward and in defence. He needs to continue to put in the work like everyone else but he will start again tomorrow.

…expectations for the contest: Italy certainly aren’t going down without a fight. We need to go into the game as if it was still 0-0, however the result does make a difference for both sides. After winning 2-1 in the first leg, you may have the upper hand but then Italy will feel they have nothing to lose. In our minds, the match begins at 0-0 and we want to win this second leg as well. I expect Italy to go about things in pretty much the same fashion, so the game should be a similar one to that which we saw in Milan.

…the goalkeeper position: Marc-André ter Stegen remains our number one when he is fit but he has suffered a serious injury and we will need to see how his recovery goes. While he remains out, the competition for that spot between the sticks remains open. Oliver Baumann is our first choice right now for these games with Italy.

…the pace of Italy: I am not concerned by the speed in their ranks because I believe we are more than capable of defending against that. We will simply need to remain alert and in our shape in order to deal with the more threatening runs in behind. Possession will play a key role in this contest. Our set-up was not the best in the opening period of the first leg so we must be more switched on and create more chances than we did last time out. I hope that way we can pose too great a threat for the Italy back line.

Oliver Baumann on…

…his performance in Italy: I received a lot of texts and I’ve only just been able to finish answering them all. For me, it’s about completing the tasks that I’ve been given to the best of my abilities. I want to help the team as best as I can. The fact that we won just makes me even happier.

…his development with the national team: I just kept working hard and was fortunate enough to be part of the squad for the EUROs. I was willing to accept whatever role I was given, which has always been my approach. Otherwise, it all comes down to hard work. I’m very grateful that I’m now able to play.

…playing in Dortmund: I’m familiar with the stadium from having come here as part of the visiting team. There’s definitely an energy in the stadium which can help carry you as a team and it can be very uncomfortable for the opposing team. For tomorrow, I hope that the home crowd helps us and makes it tricky for the Italians.