Julian Nagelsmann immediately got involved himself. Before his first training session as national coach, the new boss placed the poles and dummies on the New England Revolution pitch in Foxborough and then things got started.
With 25 players and clear announcements. With the exception of Kai Havertz, who will not arrive until Wednesday (October 11th, 2023) due to dental surgery, Nagelsmann had his entire squad together for the USA trip at his premiere on Tuesday afternoon.
“Lock passes” to the sixes and “depth”
And the stars immediately got the full Nagelsmann program. Wearing short black trousers and rolling up the black sleeves of his white DFB jumper, the 36-year-old loudly directed his professionals and gave detailed instructions.
The first exercise was a construction game in four groups “lock passes” to the six, then steeply to the top. “Depth”, Nagelsmann repeatedly and clearly warned. That morning at 9:30 a.m. he presented his ideas to his team – and immediately sparked enthusiasm.
Gündogan and Gosens are thrilled
Captain Ilkay Gündogan told the sports show: “You immediately notice the drive, you notice the motivation. Now it’s about delivering two successful games. The expectations are that I’ll lead the way on the pitch and perform. Everything else remains to be seen. It’s good that “We can now spend time here together and get to know each other even better.”
“He explained to us what he was planning to do. That made us want more”, reported Robin Gosens after the first long meeting. Nagelsmann has three more units at his disposal before he makes his debut as Hansi Flick’s successor.
Jonas Hofmann said: “I think it’s important to have a good mix of experienced and younger players who can learn from each other. We’re seeing that in Leverkusen too. That’s why the squad here is very well put together.”
Game against Mexico live on the first
The duel with the USA will take place on Saturday (9 p.m. CEST/live ticker at sportschau.de) in Hartfort/Connecticut. On October 18th, Philadelphia will face Mexico (from 1:45 a.m. CEST, live on Erste and in the live stream at sportschau.de as well as in the live ticker). From 9:05 a.m. the first will also show a replay of the game.