National team
Nagelsmann has two premiere goals – without Kimmich against USA
National coach Julian Nagelsmann is still keeping his first international starting eleven a secret. photo
© Federico Gambarini/dpa
Julian Nagelsmann is still keeping his first international starting eleven a secret. A regular player with a cold has to pass – “as of now”. The new national coach wants to do more than just win against the USA.
It is important to “pair active and attractive football with a victory,” said Hansi Flick’s successor at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field. “Besides the result, it’s also about the manner.”
Kimmich has a cold
Nagelsmann remained silent about the first line-up of his DFB term. “In fact, I haven’t decided yet on the first team.” He wants to have a final consultation with his coaching staff. However, Bayern professional Joshua Kimmich, who has a cold, will not be able to play – as of now. The 28-year-old midfielder missed the last two training sessions and was even isolated from the team so he wouldn’t infect anyone. The 25 other players, including four goalkeepers, are ready for action, said Nagelsmann.
He didn’t feel particularly nervous after 21 hours before kick-off. The former Bayern coach seemed focused with a touch of relaxedness. “I briefly practiced the national anthem again so that she was sitting,” he joked.
After the game against the US team, the DFB selection will play another test match on their trip to the USA next Wednesday (2 a.m./ARD) in Philadelphia against Mexico.