Nagelsmann’s Bold Approach to Germany Squad Draws Praise from Klopp, Müller, and Hummels
Published: March 24, 2026
Germany national team coach Julian Nagelsmann is generating discussion with his direct approach to evaluating players ahead of the upcoming World Cup. His recent comments have garnered support from prominent figures in German football, including Jürgen Klopp, Thomas Müller, and Mats Hummels.
Experts Weigh In
The trio, acting as experts for Telekom, lauded Nagelsmann’s transparency and confidence in his squad selection process.
“You’re not used to a national coach expressing himself so clearly and, above all, on individual personal details,”
Thomas Müller
Müller noted that Nagelsmann’s approach signaled a clear plan for the tournament. Nagelsmann openly discussed individual players, offering both critical and encouraging assessments of their potential roles.
Müller specifically highlighted Nagelsmann’s comments regarding Leon Goretzka, stating that the midfielder was the most exciting person
in the discussion, and was promised playing time despite his current situation at Bayern.
Confidence in the National Coach
Hummels described Nagelsmann’s communication style as a little more offensively
, but ultimately positive. He pointed out that it’s not uncommon for players to have a degree of certainty about their place in the squad months before a major tournament.
Hummels drew parallels to the 2014 World Cup-winning team, recalling that players like Müller and Philipp Lahm were confident in their selection well in advance.
“We have a self-confident national coach, I think that’s cool.”
Jürgen Klopp
Klopp, currently the head of football at Red Bull, expressed his approval of Nagelsmann’s directness, stating he didn’t believe any player was being guaranteed a spot without earning it.
Klopp also indicated he wouldn’t be offering unsolicited advice to Nagelsmann, adding, I’ll let Thomas say that.
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FAQ
- What is Julian Nagelsmann’s approach to squad selection? He is being very direct and open about his assessments of players.
- Who has praised Nagelsmann’s approach? Jürgen Klopp, Thomas Müller, and Mats Hummels.
- What was highlighted about Leon Goretzka? Nagelsmann promised him playing time despite his current club situation.
