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Nagelsmann opens doors to Germany's new generation

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, March 15, 2024
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The unveiling of Germany's UEFA 2024 Euro kits heralds a new era under coach Julian Nagelsmann, featuring a vibrant pink-purple away shirt to honor the emerging generation and a more traditional home shirt with gold, red, and white stripes.

Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz and Bayern's young stars Jamal Musiala and Aleksandar Pavlovic are key figures in this transformation, included in the squad for upcoming friendlies against France and the Netherlands. The bold shirt colors reflect Nagelsmann's reshuffle, aiming to integrate fresh talent by excluding established players like Leon Goretzka and several from Dortmund.

Florian Wirtz (R) of Bayer 04 Leverkusen vies with Ritsu Doan of SC Freiburg during the first division of Bundesliga 9th round match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and SC Freiburg, in Leverkusen, Germany, Oct. 29, 2023. (Photo by Ulrich Hufnagel/Xinhua)

Criticism has come, notably from ex-Real Madrid and Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira, regarding Pavlovic's nomination. The German coach spoke about Pavlovic's personal decision to play for the German team and reject the Serbian offer as the midfielder has Serbian roots. "He wants to play for Germany," Nagelsmann said and emphasized the obligation of the German association "to try to convince talents able to play for other nations."

While the usual nominated experienced forces couldn't achieve a turnaround, Nagelsmann is heading for new shores despite the return of Real midfielder Toni Kroos.

Amidst calls for change following disappointing performances, Nagelsmann is betting on youth and players in peak form, as seen with the inclusion of Stuttgart defenders Waldemar Anton and Maximilian Mittelstaedt, symbolizing the team's revival.

It's no surprise that 20-year-old Wirtz praised the new shirt color "as something exciting" and spoke about an unusual procedure.

"That's great, it's something new," Wirtz stated.

Nagelsmann spoke about the need not to select the assumed best but to appoint players enjoying a flow.

"It's our challenge to find a team fitting together and not consider the individual best," the German coach said, adding that due to the latest disappointing results, it was inevitable to implement some changes.

As the Euro 2024 approaches, the squad now includes newcomers such as Heidenheim's Jan-Niklas Beste, Frankfurt's Robin Koch, and Leverkusen's Robert Andrich, while still keeping options open for veterans like Goretzka and Mats Hummels. "We want to benefit from the enthusiasm of the newcomers and will see how things develop until the 2024 Euro is to start," the coach clarified. 

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