Internal conflicts within the German national team stem from coach Nagelsmann.

Many German players are reportedly unhappy with the coaching methods of new head coach Julian Nagelsmann, including the decision to move Kai Havertz to left-back.

Nagelsmann has yet to bring about a positive change for Germany since succeeding Hansi Flick in September. In his first international break, Nagelsmann debuted with a 3-1 win against the USA and a 2-2 draw against Mexico. During the FIFA Days in November, Germany suffered defeats against Türkiye (2-3) and Austria (0-2).

Moreover, after only a short time in charge, Nagelsmann has caused instability in the dressing room. According to Bild , some German internationals believe the 36-year-old coach is better suited to club-level work and is demanding too much from them.

The German national team still supports and trusts Nagelsmann's tactical abilities. However, they want the former Bayern coach to simplify his ideas, believing he doesn't have enough time during short training camps to revolutionize the team's playing style, including deploying key players in positions that are not their natural strengths.

Havertz (in black and white shirt) during Germany's 0-2 defeat to Austria on November 21. Photo: AP

Nagelsmann's latest tactical shift was fielding Havertz at left-back in the last two matches, despite him never having played in that position before and having spent most of his career in attack. After only a few training sessions, Havertz was deployed at left-back against Türkiye. Although he didn't make much of an impression, he was tested again in that position in the defeat against Austria.

Leroy Sane, who usually plays on the left wing for both his club and national team, was moved to the right wing. As a result, despite starting all four games under Nagelsmann, Sane failed to score.

Nagelsmann likes to videotap the team's training sessions and stop mid-session to point out mistakes. Some German players are said to feel "overwhelmed" by this approach, believing the young coach is trying to fix too many problems at once.

Nagelsmann also faced criticism for failing to keep a clean sheet in all four matches played, conceding eight goals. He hinted that the team would "compensate for defensive weaknesses with offense," stating that "Germany is not a defensive monster." According to Bild , Nagelsmann's questioning of defensive capabilities displeased some defenders.

The former Bayern coach also sparked controversy for instructing goalkeeper Kevin Trapp to feign injury to gain time for tactical adjustments during the match against Austria. German media commented that this was a pathetic, weak, and unsportsmanlike act.

Nagelsmann has only one international break left in March 2024 to rebuild the German national team and prepare for Euro 2024, the tournament they will host. His contract only runs until the end of Euro 2024, and Germany's performance in that tournament will determine the 36-year-old coach's future.

Before Nagelsmann, Germany also had no success under Hansi Flick - another former Bayern Munich coach. In his last five matches in charge, Flick and Germany lost to Belgium 2-3, Poland 0-1, Colombia 0-2, Japan 1-4, and drew with Ukraine 3-3. Prior to that, at the 2022 World Cup, he also disappointed by being eliminated after the group stage.

Hong Duy

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