News (engl.)

After the 2-0 win away in Luxembourg, attention now turns to Monday night’s showdown (20:45 CET) in Leipzig, where Germany can secure direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a victory against Slovakia. On the day before the match, coach Julian Nagelsmann and Oliver Baumann spoke to DFB.de about their final group game.

Julian Nagelsmann on...

...the Slovakia game: We gave the players feedback from the Luxembourg match. The two teams are different, but there are certain similarities in terms of how they approach the game. We also spoke about some fundamental things and how we want to present ourselves as a team. We won in Luxembourg, which was the main thing. We need to win tomorrow and we want to win tomorrow – and we’re well prepared for that.

...the squad: Nico Schlotterbeck will train as normal. Joshua Kimmich still needs a bit of rest. He’s out on the pitch, but we want to keep things as relaxed as possible for now. We’ll decide tomorrow whether he can play. I’m optimistic. It’s really about pain management and how he feels – and anyone who knows Joshua knows he doesn’t like saying no to a match. With Schlotti (Nico Schlotterbeck), it might hurt a bit, but the injury is healing well and hasn’t become inflamed. I expect him to be available.

...his approach: There’s no thought of failure. We have a plan and are preparing the team accordingly. The players look focused and determined. You’re always nervous before a game like this, that’s part of the appeal. The situation is what it is, but we can approach it in a positive way. That in itself brings a certain excitement. I’m expecting a good performance from us and that we take all three points.

…his half-time team talk against Luxembourg: I chose to address a few specific points at the break and the team reacted exactly as we wanted.

…the captaincy: I’ve said many times that the captaincy isn’t a massive thing for me. We have plenty of players who can wear the armband with pride. It’s actually a good sign that even with several absentees, we still have so many options for who can lead the team.

… the team’s development: We hit a low point in November 2023, then worked our way back up – not with huge steps, but in the right direction, including during the Euros. There were good performances in the Nations League, including a world‑class first half against Italy. Then came the Final Four with two defeats, which marked something of a turning point – also in terms of how the team was perceived. Before that, people viewed us more positively. We were unlucky in the first game against France, deserved to lose to Portugal, and otherwise not much happened. We need to get back onto that path again and not let outside noise influence us. We need to be braver, play forward more often and play one backwards pass fewer. We need to return to the small steps and tomorrow we can take a big one by qualifying. I’m confident that would help us get fully back on track and continue to develop.

...Assan Ouedraogo: He’s a very humble young man with no airs and graces. He’s also had a difficult spell with injuries, which I wouldn’t wish on anyone. But fighting your way out of those lows doesn’t have to be a negative thing in a career. He’s quick, strikes the ball well – more with precision than power – and he’s a very good box‑to‑box player.

...Said El Mala: He made a good impression. I’m in close contact with Toni Di Salvo, and he’s always pleased when his players get the chance to train with the senior team, even if it’s not ideal for his own plans. Said did well. We also have to remember that it was his first time with us and he didn’t have much time to train with us here. He’s humble enough, but he also shows the confidence you need. He needs to become a regular starter for Köln, set that as his target, and address the areas his club coach and I have pointed out. If he does that, he has the potential to make a real impact for the national team.

...Oliver Baumann: I’ve known him for a very long time and I’m really pleased with how he’s playing. I don’t decide the number one on my own, I do it together with the goalkeeping coach, who has the expertise. Every coach should make the decisions in their own specialist area. I have my view, but we make the call together. Olli is in outstanding form right now, so I’m very happy and have zero concerns about anything.

Oliver Baumann on...

…pressure ahead of the Slovakia game: Despite the importance of the match, I’ll prepare like I always do. It’s a big and important game for me personally as well. I want to help the team again.

…areas for improvement: We need to go into the game with the right mindset in terms of the basics, duels and second balls. Getting those fundamentals right will give us a solid platform to win the match and play well. If you’re strong defensively, you automatically grow into the game offensively.

…half-time talks: We’ve had situations before where the head coach has raised his voice, and we haven’t fallen apart. That’s part of football. At half-time in Luxembourg it was more about tactical points, and after that we went back out and tried to implement them better.