News (engl.)

Head coach Julian Nagelsmann and centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck spoke to the media on the eve of Germany’s World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland in Belfast on Monday (20:45 CEST). Here’s what they had to say.

Julian Nagelsmann on…

…the opposition: I’m expecting a tough game. It was already difficult to beat them in the first meeting – they played a lot of long balls, closed off space and looked to win second balls. They create a lot of pressure in the final third, so we’ll need strong one-on-one defending. We’ll have to perform well if we want to win. Northern Ireland are very compact in the centre and there’s not much space, so it’ll be important to break out of their press quickly and create chances of our own. We want to impose our style on the game, but that comes second or third after handling the basics.

…Florian Wirtz: It’s normal for a young player to take time settling in when he moves to a new club, a new league and a new culture. He’ll adapt soon enough and I’m sure he’ll start scoring and assisting goals for Liverpool.

…his comments after the first meeting: It wasn’t meant to be disrespectful to Northern Ireland when I said they play a lot of long balls – quite the opposite. I just said it might not be the prettiest style. But it’s difficult to defend, and we’ll need every player switched on to handle that tomorrow.

…the starting XI: Only one position is still undecided – otherwise the line-up will likely stay the same. We discussed clear ideas beforehand and we saw a lot of them implemented against Luxembourg. There’s a chance it’ll be the same XI again – we’ll see tomorrow.

…his communication with U21 coach Antonio Di Salvo: The exchange has been very good. It’s important for me to understand the players from his perspective – he knows how ready they are. We have a strong connection. He’s worked with almost all of them and can offer valuable insights.

…the emotional intensity required: The whole group – coaches and players – needs to create a style of play that generates emotion. We need to match or better the opposition’s energy, especially defensively, and build from there. Everyone knows what to expect – that every challenge will be cheered wildly by the crowd. But we can channel that energy and feed off it ourselves.

…the Schlotterbeck–Tah partnership: I was really happy with them. We talk a lot about the back line and their movement with and without the ball. The way they played against Luxembourg was focused throughout. I’ve always said how highly I rate Schlotti, and Jona has been very consistent in the last two or three games. In the end, I’ll go with whoever gives me the best feeling, but everyone is invited to bring their best and put the others under pressure.

…the importance of the game: Of course, it’s something we’re aware of – Northern Ireland haven’t lost here in nearly two years. That gives us extra motivation to step it up. It’s a really strong home record. We’ll need to give everything. There’s not much margin for error in World Cup qualifying. A win would put us in a good position – but we’re taking it one step at a time. This is an important game.

Nico Schlotterbeck on…

…the atmosphere at Windsor Park: As a footballer, these are the kinds of games you look forward to. The stadium might be smaller, but it’s just as loud. I’m really looking forward to the atmosphere and the match. We want to follow up our last result and stay top of the group.

…Northern Ireland’s style of play: Like in the Bundesliga, there are a lot of teams who play balls in behind. So it’s about staying alert and active both with and without the ball.

…his fitness: I feel great. I had five and a half months to prepare. Sure, I might need an extra day of recovery here and there, but I’ve had time to build everything back up. I’ve rarely been this fit and well-conditioned. I’m ready to go the full 90 tomorrow.

…his partnership with Jonathan Tah: He’s very communicative on the pitch – that’s important for me. He’s a really strong defender. I always enjoy playing alongside him. I might have more to offer in possession, but he’s probably the better defender. We complement each other well.