Watzke speaks on Nagelsmann and the   European championship

 

BERLIN – German football top official Hans-Joachim Watzke has said that Julian Nagelsmann should get a contract extension as national team coach beyond this summer’s European championships where he expects the team to do well.

Germany impressed in the recent international window with victories against France and the Netherlands, after many modest results in previous matches.

Former Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich coach Nagelsmann was appointed in autumn on a contract until the home Euros. He has said he would like his future settled before the June 14 start, either for country or a club.

Watzke, the chief executive of Borussia Dortmund, spokesman of the German Football League (DFL) board and German Football Federation (DFB) vice-president, said in the Spielmacher podcast on Thursday he would welcome Nagelsmann staying in his current role.

“The DFB should try now to extend Julian’s contract. And if the DFB succeeds in signing him for longer it would be good for German football,” Watzke said.

Watzke said that Nagelsmann has a clear idea of “how football should be played. He is very conceptual, he has the right mix.

“Julian has been successful at every club so far. If you’re successful with three clubs of very different styles, it’s a good calling card.”

Watzke revealed he had also twice tried to lure Nagelsmann to Dortmund but that the coach was not released. He said the recent victories have reconciled fans with the team and that he expects a great Euros in all aspects.

“I believe that the team is now ready to play their way into the hearts of the Germans. And as the Germans generally have a very emotional and very strong relationship with football, they are also easily fired up,” he said.

“If we play well now, then the spark will ignite even more. And we have the confidence now. I’m really looking forward to the Euros.”