National football team: Nagelsmann’s triad: mentality, consistency, cooperation

Julian Nagelsmann was not as euphoric as his colleague Ronald Koeman. “A big compliment to Germany and Holland for this game,” said the impressed national coach after the thrilling 2:2 draw between the arch rivals in the Nations League. Nagelsmann expressed his satisfaction with the national team’s intense evening of football in the Johan Cruyff Arena more discreetly. But the 37-year-old made one thing clear: “We are on the right track.”

“It was very entertaining. Both teams showed that something was at stake,” said the national coach. Two games. Four points. First place. These are the numbers after the fresh start after the home European Championship in the Nations League. For Nagelsmann, however, it is still about the development of his team.

mentality

“I find nothing more terrible than not caring,” said Nagelsmann when asked whether his team might be further ahead than he himself had thought after the 5-0 win against Hungary and the power draw against the Dutch. Far, yes, but not that far, noted the national coach.

What he liked was the attitude and willingness. “The expectation of the team is that we give it our all, the fans saw that again,” said the 37-year-old. Specifically: After the early goal by Tijjani Reijnders after less than two minutes, heads did not go down.

There followed a rebellion without panic, which DFB President Bernd Neuendorf also noted positively in the stands. “The reaction would not have been so good in the past,” said the association boss. The goals from Deniz Undav (38th) and Joshua Kimmich (45th+3) were the reward. “Blows to the neck are the hardest thing in football. You have to fight them,” said Nagelsmann. His work is working: “We convey belief. The players believe in themselves.”

Constance

What can be improved if the team is far along, but not far enough? There is no critical point. But for Nagelsmann, the crucial point is consistency. It should be hot, the ability to achieve the best performance again and again. This leads to “consistency in results”. We are not yet “where we want to be,” he noted. “Otherwise we would not have lost against Spain,” Nagelsmann recalled the still most painful European Championship exit. Otherwise we would not have given up the 2-1 lead against Oranje.

And the defense, shaken by the Dutch attacking force? Nagelsmann didn’t want to be too harsh. No general criticism of individual coaches, for Jonathan Tah. “He had a tough time.” Or for Nico Schlotterbeck. “He doesn’t always have to try to win the ball. You have to put up a challenge sometimes.” Overall, Nagelsmann was clear: “We can do better as a group.”

cooperation

The big goal remains. Internalize the ability to win the 2026 World Cup. Set an example. But it won’t work alone, says Nagelsmann. So he surprised everyone with a request to the clubs. “In the end, even as a national coach, you have to say with humility that we need the clubs.” “We won’t become world champions or anything else through training here,” said Nagelsmann. His options for keeping the players in the necessary “flow” are limited, noted the former Bayern coach. “In the end, I choose the best and try to develop nuances.”

© dpa-infocom, dpa:240911-930-229083/1

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