Nagelsmann addresses patience alongside Sané ahead of Ivory…

Nagelsmann addresses patience alongside Sané ahead of Ivory Coast clash

18.06.2026 13:01 HotInfo

Germany's national football team opened the World Cup with a 7:1 victory over Curaçao in Houston, and ahead of the second match against Ivory Coast, attention is shifting to the composition of Julian Nagelsmann's attack. Following Lennart Karl's injury, the coach has fewer originally planned options on the right wing, and Leroy Sané remains under pressure, having started in the opening triumph but failing to score despite two big chances. Die Zeit ↗

Overall, however, the German attack functioned well, with seven goals scored by six different players. Deniz Undav, who has the best scoring rate in the national team with a goal every 57 minutes, has also entered the debate, though he remains primarily a joker in Nagelsmann's tournament plan. The coach also previously reacted to a weaker start and defensive problems, when Curaçao equalized after Germany had taken the lead, and the Germans were helped by the drinks break. Tagesspiegel ↗

Joshua Kimmich, playing his first World Championship as captain, senses a change in Nagelsmann's approach. The German players are also watching the performances of rivals from France, Argentina, and England in the hotel, and ahead of the duel with Ivory Coast they emphasize team spirit as an important prerequisite for success. The second round of group matches could already bring some teams certainty of advancing. Die Zeit ↗

Thomas Müller added a more cautious tone, calling for patience and less talk of the final. In the background, the media episode surrounding Jürgen Klopp also remains, as he apologized to Nagelsmann for a television remark. The next test will show whether Nagelsmann keeps Sané in the lineup or gives more space to the alternatives. Tagesspiegel ↗

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