Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann is in no mood to test anything in his remaining World Cup qualifiers, and just wants two wins that will secure a ticket to next year’s tournament.
Germany, which travels to Luxembourg on Friday before hosting Slovakia on November 17, will secure top spot in Group A and direct qualification for next year’s World Cup after two wins in the last two matches.
“We want to have a good balance (in the team),” Nagelsmann said in a press conference on Monday. “We want to cover every position twice. The most important thing is… to be successful in these matches, get the six points and qualify for the World Cup.
“We don’t depend on other results, we rely only on the performance of our team. It’s a good starting point but we still have to make it successful.”
Nagelsmann raised some eyebrows by ignoring Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller, but he said that the door for the 24-year-old player, who has played five international matches, is not closed for next year’s tournament.
“I spoke with Angelo. His development is going in the right direction,” Nagelsmann said. “But in sixth place with Felix Nmecha and Aleksandar Pavlovic, I see them a little ahead at the moment. Angelo needs to continue his rising form. In March, there is a new nomination for the team. The door is not closed.”
Nagelsmann was forced to replace Nadim Amiri on Monday with the Mainz 05 player, who suffers from an adductor muscle problem. German youth international Asane Ouedraogo received a late call-up to replace him.
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Germany is at the top of its group with nine points on goal difference, ahead of Slovakia, which is in second place. Northern Ireland ranks third with six points, while Luxembourg trails without any points. The group winner gets automatic qualification for the World Cup while the second-placed team goes into a play-off in March 2026.
The Germans – four-time world champions – are looking to make a deep run in the tournament and have their sights set on winning the title in the World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, after their disappointing exit in the first round in the last two editions.
“We do not have the luxury of suffering another slip,” Nagelsmann said when asked about his shock loss to Slovakia last September. Since then Germany has won its next three qualifiers.
“We have, as I said, improved the starting conditions… but we still have to complete the job.”
(Tags for translation)Julian Nagelsmann wins twice in the World Cup qualifiers
