Julian Nagelsmann is relying on fan favorite Niclas Füllkrug and new Dortmund player Pascal Groß for the start of the Nations League. The duo will be in the starting eleven for the national football team on Saturday (8.45 p.m./ZDF) in Düsseldorf against Hungary, announced the national coach.
Groß replaces Toni Kroos after his retirement in the DFB team, Füllkrug plays in place of Ilkay Gündogan, but in a different position than the retired captain. Füllkrug (31) is to play in the offensive with Kai Havertz, with the Arsenal striker moving further back compared to his role at the European Championships. Füllkrug only played as a joker at the European Championships.
“Kai will tend to play deeper, Niclas a bit further forward. It doesn’t have to be static. Who is in the spaces is not entirely decisive,” said Nagelsmann about his tactical considerations. The young stars Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz will therefore remain in the outside positions in the attacking midfield.
No comparison between Groß and Kroos
It is not right to compare Groß directly with Kroos, noted Nagelsmann. “He is not Kroos, he is Pascal. I don’t need anyone to replace Toni,” said Nagelsmann about the task that awaits the 33-year-old Groß in defensive midfield. “I am happy that Pascal is playing,” said the national coach.
Another change compared to the starting eleven at the European Championships will be made in goal. Marc-André ter Stegen will replace Manuel Neuer as the new number following his DFB retirement.
Nagelsmann wants EM enthusiasm
Nagelsmann is calling for a continuation of the upswing shown in the summer in the Nations League. “I want to see the same enthusiasm to win games that we had at the European Championships, because it is important to win games,” said the national coach.
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