REVEALED: Germany's players have FOUR issues with Julian Nagelsmann, as problems mount for the under-fire boss - who has lost more than he's won - with Kai Havertz key to one irritant

1 year ago 50

Germany have lost their last two games under new manager Julian Nagelsmann
A number of issues have arisen for the Germany players since he took charge
City-Liverpool is tough to referee... but our campaign is up and running - IAKO

By Sam Brookes For Mailonline

Published: 08:35 GMT, 24 November 2023 | Updated: 08:57 GMT, 24 November 2023

Germany's players reportedly have a number of concerns with manager Julian Nagelsmann's coaching methods after his disappointing start in the national team dugout.

Nagelsmann replaced Hansi Flick in September but has only won one of his four matches in charge, and his side slipped to back-to-back defeats against Turkey and Austria during the latest international break.

One issue that has arisen already is the players believe he is more suited to club management and is demanding too much from them, according to Bild.

While the mood towards Nagelsmann remains largely positive and the team trust his tactical ability, they want him to simplify his ideas as he does not have the time during short international breaks to revolutionise the way the team plays.

His tendency to play individuals in unfamiliar positions has also raised eyebrows.

Julian Nagelsmann has only won one of his first four matches as Germany manager

The Germany players have a number of concerns about Nagelsmann's style of coaching

One issue that has arisen is Nagelsmann playing individuals in unfamiliar positions, with Kai Havertz (pictured) starting the last two matches at left back

Arsenal's Kai Havertz started Germany's last two games at left back, despite spending the majority of his career in midfield or attack.

It was particularly surprising for the squad that Havertz was thrown straight in as a left back against Turkey after only having a few training sessions in the position prior to the match.

Leroy Sane has also been moved to the right wing, yet has enjoyed most of his success down the left for the national team over the years.

Former Bayern Munich boss Nagelsmann also likes to do video sessions with his players, and has been known to stop training to point out mistakes.

But this has led to the national team players feeling overwhelmed, with Nagelsmann seemingly trying to fix multiple issues all at once.

His criticism of Germany's defensive ability has also ruffled a few feathers, with the Euro 2024 hosts yet to keep a clean sheet since Nagelsmann arrived.

Nagelsmann has questioned his side's defensive ability as they have not kept a clean sheet since he took charge

They have conceded eight goals in four games under Nagelsmann, leading to the 36-year-old claiming 'we're not defensive monsters'.

Questioning the team defensively hasn't gone down well, and risks alienating members of the back line.

Nagelsmann now has just one more international break in March to try and find solutions before Germany host next summer's Euros.

Having been knocked out at the group stage of the last two World Cups, and only made it to the last 16 of the Euros in 2021, the pressure is ramping up on Nagelsmann and his players to avoid another disastrous tournament in front of their own fans in 2024.