In a departure from his usual detailed insights into lineup decisions during press conferences, Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann adopted an uncharacteristically vague approach before Germany’s World Cup Round of 16 match against Paraguay, dropping intriguing hints about potential tactical shifts.
Throughout Germany’s initial three World Cup games, the starting eleven and tactical formation were consistently clear beforehand. For the opening match against Curaçao, Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann had already finalized the ten outfield players during the final test against the USA, with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer predictably joining them.
Following criticism of Leroy Sané after the 7-1 victory against Curaçao, Nagelsmann effectively guaranteed the right-winger a starting spot against Ivory Coast (2-1). Subsequently, Nico Schlotterbeck (medial ligament injury) and Nathaniel Brown (calf problems) were sidelined. At the press conference before the final group game against Ecuador (1-2), Nagelsmann revealed who would replace them, simultaneously confirming that no other changes would be made.
Julian Nagelsmann Remains Guarded Ahead of the Paraguay Match
As the knockout phase commenced, Nagelsmann abruptly altered his communication strategy. At the press conference leading up to the Round of 16 clash against Paraguay on Monday at 10:30 PM in Foxborough, near Boston, Nagelsmann declined to provide detailed information about personnel and tactics. When asked about potential adjustments, he responded cryptically: «There are tactical considerations for making a change. However, it is also debatable to leave everything as it is regarding the starting eleven.»
This opened the door slightly for speculation, which he further widened with his very last answer at the press conference. The question this time was whether possible changes were more related to his own team’s performances or the opponent’s style of play. Paraguay is known for its strong defense and is expected to play a physical game, similar to Ivory Coast and Ecuador.
«It’s a mix of everything,» Nagelsmann began. He indicated that his thoughts were tending to focus more on his own team. «It’s always important, especially when you have limited time between matches and cannot predict the opponent’s actions with 100% certainty, to place a strong emphasis on one’s own idea and adapt it so that the players feel comfortable and have many situations in their familiar and dangerous spaces where they can utilize their greatest strengths.»
DFB Team: Will Joshua Kimmich Move to Midfield?
These hints are particularly interesting in light of Joshua Kimmich’s situation. Germany’s captain struggled against agile opponents on the right flank against Ivory Coast and Ecuador. Simultaneously, the double pivot of Aleksandar Pavlović and Felix Nmecha lacked stability and coordination.
Consequently, several experts, including former World Cup-winning captains Lothar Matthäus and Philipp Lahm, have vociferously advocated for moving Kimmich from right-back to central midfield, his long-standing position for Bayern Munich. Referring to Nagelsmann’s statements, midfield is Kimmich’s «familiar space,» where he undoubtedly possesses his «greatest strength.»
The significant challenge is the lack of alternative full-backs. If Kimmich were indeed to move into midfield, Nagelsmann would have two options for the right-back position. Either he could deploy the recovered and fit left-back Nathaniel Brown there and keep the defensively weak David Raum on the left in the starting lineup. Or Brown could start on the left as usual, and a third center-back, most likely Waldemar Anton or perhaps Malick Thiaw, could play on the right. This could quickly transform a back four into a back three.
DFB Team: What Other Changes Are Possible?
Alternatively, Nagelsmann’s hint might have been interpreted as Kimmich – as he often does – pushing inside more frequently from the right to control the game from central areas. However, it could also pertain to other players. Perhaps Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz will swap positions? Maybe super-sub Deniz Undav will start? Or Leon Goretzka?
Unlike before the three group matches, Nagelsmann did not definitively end the selection debates with his evening press conference this time. The discussions are likely to continue vigorously until the official starting lineup is announced approximately an hour before kick-off.
This approach certainly has an advantage: Paraguay’s coach Gustavo Alfaro must prepare his team for various scenarios. «It’s not about keeping it a secret from you,» Nagelsmann said to the assembled reporters. «But also about not making the opposing coach’s job the evening before much, much easier than it necessarily needs to be.»