National team: Julian Nagelsmann finds Kroos’s resignation “bizarre”

The German national team is playing against Hungary in the Nations League (click here for the live ticker). It is the first party after the European Championship and after the upheaval in the summer. National coach Julian Nagelsmann can no longer rely on the retired Manuel Neuer, Ilkay Gündogan, Thomas Müller and Toni Kroos. They retired from the national team after the elimination in the European Championship quarter-finals against Spain.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen replaces former captain Neuer in goal. Pascal Groß is expected to fill Kroos’ shoes in front of the defense. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder is expected to direct the game in defensive midfield.

Before kick-off, Nagelsmann was asked about Kroos. “Before the European Championship, when I had the idea of ​​bringing him back, everyone said: ‘I don’t know if that’s such a good idea.'” He played very well at the European Championship. Now he’s retired again and everyone is afraid that they won’t be able to replace him. “I find that a bit bizarre,” said Nagelsmann.

“I will not be compared to Pep Guardiola either”

With six Champions League titles and winning the 2014 World Cup, Kroos is the most successful German title collector of all time. “He is an outstandingly good player. We have many players who are similar types of players. With Angelo, Pavlo and Pascal (Angelo Stiller, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Pascal Groß, ed.) three players who have a similar profile. But the comparison with Toni is a bit indicative. “I won’t be compared to Pep Guardiola all the time either,” said Nagelsmann.

Nagelsmann is optimistic that the national team can compensate for Kroos’ retirement: “We did not focus our game on Toni Kroos and will not do so with his successor now either.”