DFB squad for tests in mind
National coach Nagelsmann is planning a few surprises
Who will be in the national team's first squad in the year of the home European Championship? The national coach has thought about it. A sensational striker is in the starting blocks and then there is a candidate who DFB sports director Rudi Völler describes as “world class”.
According to his own statements, Julian Nagelsmann is already well advanced in his squad considerations for the upcoming international matches in France and against the Netherlands in March. However, the national coach did not give any details on Thursday after the Nations League draw in Paris. “I'm very far. Let yourself be surprised. We still have a little time,” said Nagelsmann.
There has recently been speculation, among other things, about the return of 34-year-old 2014 world champion Toni Kroos and the first-time nomination of hit striker Deniz Undav from VfB Stuttgart. The 27-year-old is the discovery of this Bundesliga season and has been enchanting spectators for months. In preparation for the home European Championship in the summer, Germany will play against the Netherlands on March 23rd in Lyon and three days later in Frankfurt/Main.
Kroos? Völler has a clear opinion
DFB sports director Rudi Völler confirmed that Nagelsmann would also be the national coach during the European Championships, regardless of the results. “Of course,” said Völler. The tests are important “for the mood in the country”. The European Championship is “above everything” at the moment. “Everyone knows what it's about. We have a European Championship in our own country. Nothing more is possible,” said Völler. “We don't just want to do well, we want to go very far. I know that after the last international games, many people are lacking a bit of faith, but not for us.”
But will Toni Kroos also make a comeback? In any case, rumors about the return of the 2014 world champion are persistent; Nagelsmann fueled them with an appearance on ZDF shortly before Christmas and called a possible comeback there “an interesting thought.” Kroos will be in Germany with the Royals next week. On Tuesday, Real Madrid will visit RB Leipzig in the Champions League. Perhaps one of the most successful German players will then comment on his own plans.
Völler opened the door a little further on Thursday: “He is still a world-class player who is capable of powerful things,” he said. Although the shoe pressure in the midfield is “not quite as extreme,” emphasized Völler: “But that doesn’t change the fact that Toni can certainly become an issue.” Ultimately, however, you have to ask Julian Nagelsmann – and he is not (yet) revealing his EM jokers.
