By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Julian Nagelsmann has expressed amazement at his team's rapid progress.
"I have never coached a team learning that quickly," he said after their debut games against the USA (3-1) and Mexico (2-2) as part of the German national coach. Notably, Nagelsmann successfully addressed a persistent issue, transforming the struggling offense into a well-oiled machine months before the 2024 UEFA Euro.
The solution materialized through players like Niclas Fullkrug, Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and Leroy Sane. While Dortmund's spearhead Fullkrug demonstrated undeniable value in the box with nine goals in 11 games, the talented group around Leverkusen midfielder Wirtz and Bayern strikers Sane and Musiala met the demands of the attacking side, adeptly changing positions.
Their strategic flexibility, guided by a link-like presence such as the late-bloomer Fullkrug, infused hope into the long-struggling 2014 world champion. Nagelsmann reflected on his football-playing childhood, emphasizing the importance of selecting the best players, regardless of skepticism about their compatibility.
Breaking a long-standing tradition, Nagelsmann embraced the risk of appointing two young, promising talents, crossing the red line of providing space to opponents. This decision aimed to harness the required speed and unlock previously unnoticed potential, crucial with the 2024 Euro approaching and high expectations as Germany hosts the tournament.
Nagelsmann's youthful approach, complemented by the calm experience of sporting director Rudi Voller, creates a promising dynamic for a successful performance in front of a home crowd. The manager encouraged the squad to find satisfaction in attacking, expressing confidence in meeting fans' hopes for a successful campaign next summer.
As fans perceive a ray of hope in Nagelsmann's strategy, the quartet enjoys newfound freedom rooted in players' instincts, balanced by the coach's directive to relish playing while maintaining defensive coverage in all positions. ■
