Nagelsmann radiates confidence in depleted squad

 

By Klaus Bergmann and Jan Mies, dpa

 

BERLIN –  Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann wants full points from the upcoming Nations League matches against Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Netherlands despite having to deal with a depleted squad.

Key players Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz have withdrawn injured along with Niclas Füllkrug and Robin Koch. Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is also out for many months with a severe knee injury.

Nagelsmann wants two victories

“We have had to change the squad again at short notice due to a number of injuries. But our goals remain the same,” Nagelsmann said on Monday as the players gathered in Herzogenaurach.

‘We want to win in Bosnia-Herzegovina and at home in Munich in front of our own fans against the Netherlands and defend our lead in the Nations League table.”

The games are on Friday in Zenica and three days later in Munich. Germany are top of the group after beating Hungary 5-0 and drawing 2-2 in the Netherlands in September.

Three newcomers in squad

Brentford’s three-times capped Kevin Schade returns into the squad for Koch, while Jonathan Burkardt of Mainz, Jamie Leweling of VfB Stuttgart and Tim Kleindienst of Borussia Mönchengladbach got a first call-up in place of Havertz, Musiala and Füllkrug.

“As unfortunate as it is that we have to do without injured regulars who helped us at the home Euros in the summer: We are now very much looking forward to seeing our new players in the team and in training,” Nagelsmann said.

 

Debutant in goal

Whether they will get playing time remains to be seen but Friday’s first game will definitely have a new man in Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann who has been promised a start by Nagelsmann in place of ter Stegen.

“It feels very good. I’m very happy, very grateful. I’m looking forward to it,” Baumann said.

The also uncapped VfB Stuttgart goalkeeper Alexander Nübel may get his debut as well against the Netherlands but Nagelsmann could also opt to field Baumann in both games.

Forced changes up front

Looking at the depleted attack, Stuttgart’s Deniz Undav is expected to play like against the Dutch in September alongside Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz.

Bayern’s Serge Gnabry, back in the squad after missing the Euros with injury, could join them as a starter. Gnabry has a squad-leading 22 goals from 45 caps.