Antonio Rüdiger was expected to replace the injured Nico Schlotterbeck in the German national team’s final group stage match against Ecuador, but his position in the defense was not as anticipated.
As head coach Julian Nagelsmann explained to MagentaTV before the match in East Rutherford, Rüdiger will occupy Schlotterbeck’s usual left-sided center-back role. This means the anticipated shift of Jonathan Tah from right to left in the defense will not occur.
The topic was initially raised by Mats Hummels, a former center-back himself, who inquired about the reasoning behind Rüdiger starting on the right. Nagelsmann responded, «We put Toni on the left.»
After Hummels reacted with surprise, the coach elaborated: «The main reason was that Toni has always played slightly left in a back three at Chelsea, which we also often use in build-up play. He feels very, very comfortable there. And Jona, while he feels very comfortable on the left in a back four, feels a bit more at ease centrally when we start with three.»
Nagelsmann: ‘Ultimately, the players have to decide the game’
«In the end, it’s not about us developing any ideas, but about the players feeling comfortable and being able to implement them,» Nagelsmann stated. «And both agreed that they prefer it if Jona stays central and Antonio takes the slightly left position. And we are completely on board with that. Ultimately, the players have to decide the game.»
This defensive combination is likely to be set for the remainder of the tournament. Following Tah’s regular partner Schlotterbeck’s severe ligament injury and subsequent World Cup exit, Rüdiger is the primary substitute. The former Chelsea defender had already replaced Schlotterbeck during the 2-1 victory in the second group game against Ivory Coast.