One day after the quarter-final exit against Spain, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann draws a positive conclusion. His next goal is the 2026 World Cup title.
"We managed to unite the people. We would have liked to have given the fans more, we would have liked to have won the title," said Nagelsmann with tears in his eyes at the last media conference at the German European Championship camp in Herzogenaurach. The 36-year-old has managed to put together a German team for the home tournament over the last few months, which has once again impressed with its performances and acted as a close-knit community.
"I haven't been to any other tournaments, but I've been told that it wasn't always the case that every player left the camp with tears in their eyes after six weeks together. We had an outstanding sense of community," said Nagelsmann. Bernd Neuendorf, the DFB president, sees the coach as a decisive factor in this cohesion: "He radiated an incredible energy, an unbelievable spirit."
Focus already on 2026
Sports Director Rudi Völler also had positive words for Germany's performances: "It was our wish to play our way up to the top of the world, and I believe we have succeeded." Although the DFB team is "not yet where we want to be, otherwise we would have progressed one or two rounds", the performances were "remarkable". He had seen an "exceptional" performance against the Spaniards. "Coming back from a goal down would have been unimaginable a few months ago."
Nagelsmann quickly turned his attention to the future after the 2-1 defeat to Spain after extra time. Shortly after the match, he proclaimed the 2026 World Cup title as a goal - with the words: "It hurts that you have to wait two years to become world champions." Before setting his sights on this ambitious goal, however, he needs a few days to recover. After that, he is looking forward to attacking again.
Question marks over Müller and Neuer
Nagelsmann announced personnel additions for the upcoming sporting tasks. However, the team would not be "thrown together anew". The players would now have to prove themselves at their clubs. However, the day after the team was knocked out was not yet the day for concrete decisions. The coach is still counting on captain Ilkay Gündogan: "Of course I'm happy if he continues. As things stand, I also assume that he will still be available."
With the end of Toni Kroos' career, however, "a pillar is breaking away". The future of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (38) and Thomas Müller (34) is uncertain. "We haven't yet made a decision on what direction they will take," said Nagelsmann. In Müller's case at least, there are indications that Friday night's 131st international match will be his last. Neuer, meanwhile, said: "I've said I'll think about it after the tournament. That doesn't mean today or tomorrow, it could take six months or longer." Germany will continue with the Nations League in the fall.
SDA
