News (engl.)

Germany are preparing for the first leg of their UEFA Nations League quarter-final against four-time World Cup and two-time European Championship winners Italy on Thursday (20:45 CET). Head coach Julian Nagelsmann and centre-back Antonio Rüdiger spoke to the press ahead of the match in Milan about what the team hopes to achieve.

Julian Nagelsmann on…

...the support from the German fans: Seeing how many fans are travelling to Milan to support us is a massive compliment to the team. They have been able to build up a strong connection with the fans and managed to excite people again with the way in which they play football. Hearing that approximately 3,500 fans will be there cheering us on is a good thing and something that we're very happy about.

...the competition between the goalkeepers: Alexander Nübel's reaction was very professional. It's the second time already since the EUROs that I haven't been able to give him good news, but he took it well. It was a tough decision, as both have been putting in consistent, strong performances at a high level. The only difference was maybe the fact that Oliver Baumann has been doing so more consistently for a longer time. We made sure to communicate that this decision would only be for the two upcoming games. We also have another good goalkeeper in Marc [ter Stegen] waiting in the wings. We'll have to wait and see how his recovery progresses and how soon he's able to return. We will reevaluate the situation ahead of the next international break.

...Leon Goretzka's return: The decisive factor for outfield players is based on their recent performances. Since Vincent Kompany has taken charge of FC Bayern, Leon has been preferred once again. He's playing regularly and in a position that he can also take up within our team. In the end, it was his performances that confirmed our decision.

  ...Kimmich's position: He will remain at right-back for now. This decision isn't based primarily on a selection process, but rather on the fact that, if we analyse the last games and the EUROs, then he was subjectively and objectively, the best right-back of the tournament based on the statistics. He has also put in strong performances in the Nations League. Obviously we're also considering alternatives, but in order to do so, we need someone who is able to better fill the position than Joshua does. He's the best right-back that we have at the moment. We've done well with him in this position over the last months, which is why I don't see any reason to change this.

...the possibility of winning a title: For us, it's about developing our own identity, winning games and preparing well for our World Cup qualifiers, in order to also be successful at the World Cup. In order for that to happen, it's essential that we win more games than we lose. We really want to win the Nations League but we don't want to appear disrespectful. We're up against a strong opponent in Italy, and we will have to try to beat them across the two games we have coming up. If we manage to do that, then that's when we start talking about potentially winning a title.

...the approach: Of course we have been considering how to approach both of these games. We have agreed that we don't want to do too much tactical manoeuvring. The mindset we're taking into the games is that we want to win both of them. We want to see how the first game goes. I'm generally not a big fan of tactical manoeuvres and instead just prefer winning. That's what I enjoy most and that's what our aim is for tomorrow.  

...Italy's strengths: They have a very good coach who is known for playing attractive attacking football, especially in how they are set up on the pitch. As a team, they are very compact and good at defending. They don't only defend deep, but also push up the pitch to press as a team. The strong team spirit they have – just like we do – is what makes them so dangerous.

...Yann Aurel Bisseck: He's made a very good impression so far. It's obviously tough for a player that's been called up for the first time to show themselves to the best of their abilities in just one and a half training sessions. We're giving him the space to settle in first and to integrate himself into the team. He's left a positive impression and has a very friendly and welcoming character. He's confident and wants to play for the national team. I hope that he continues on like this.

Antonio Rüdiger on…

...the match: This rivalry has existed for longer than I've been alive. It's simply a massive game. To get to play it at the San Siro is incredible and I'm really looking forward to it. I'm expecting it to be an intense game against a strong opponent, not only because of their individual quality, but also because of their head coach.

...coming up against Luciano Spalletti: I'm looking forward to seeing my former coach again. He played an important part in my career as a young player and managed to get the best out of me. As a young man from Germany who thought he knew how to defend back then, he was able to teach me a lot. I'm looking forward to seeing him against but I'm here to win this game for my country.

...Italy's defenders: Bastoni has only gotten better over the last years and plays at a high level for Inter. He's a leader for them. I know Calafiori from his time at AS Roma. He's been able to make an impressive comeback from a serious injury. He has a big future ahead of him still, but Italy's main centre-back is definitely Bastoni.

...the possibility of winning a title: We all know that the last years haven't been easy, in a footballing sense. That's changed, however, and we can look ahead to goals such as this with more confidence. We have a clear plan and know what we want. That makes it easier. I think we all got a taste for it during the EUROs. The atmosphere was fantastic. If we manage to progress against Italy, then it would set up a mini-tournament in Germany. Going into such an important year, it will be important to get our fans behind us. The Nations League obviously doesn't hold the same prestige as the World Cup or Champions League, but a title is a title.

...Yann Aurel Bisseck: It's important that he remains true to himself and finds out who he is. He's a genius – he finished his A-levels at 16, so he's smart and a great lad. He's made good progress in his career and has been able to amass a lot of experience, expecially abroad, some of which may have been negative. I'm very happy that he's been able to earn himself a regular spot in Inter's starting line-up and that he's here with us now. I wish him nothing but the best.