Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann wants better defensive performances in 2024

Much like just about every other position on the German national team, the defense has been in a constant state of flux for years. Former Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann has been tasked with finding the right personnel to establish some continuity — especially on the backline. “We have to change the squad structure a bit in order to become more ‘defensive monsters’.

The question always is: How do you pick the first eleven? How many players do you have in there that think offensively? How many defensive minded players should you have? It will be more about profiles than names,” Nagelsmann told ZDF sportstudio (as captured by @iMiaSanMia ). “We’ll make adjustments.

We have learned our lessons from the last games.” For Nagelsmann, a persistent tinkerer, finding a way to consistently roll out the same players or even the same formation could be a struggle. With the Euros just months away, the coach has a lot of work to do. Want more thoughts and analysis on how Julian Nagelsmann is managing the German national team? Check out our latest Weekend Warm up podcast on Spotify or below: As always, we appreciate all the support! Related BFW Rewind 2023, #2: Julian Nagelsmann gets the sack out of absolutely nowhere Julian Nagelsmann leaning toward Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer in goalkeeper battle for Germany.