Germany stars have reportedly been requesting ‘more clarity’ from head coach Julian Nagelsmann over his plans ahead of their knock-out stages of the World Cup.
Nagelsmann’s side face Paraguay in the last-32 today after topping their group, despite losing 2-1 to Ecuador in their last match.
According to German newspaper BILD, players have expressed concerns that they have been ‘left in the dark’ by Nagelsmann in the build-up to matches.
The report, citing sources within the team, stated that Nagelsmann barely speaks to his players outside of training sessions.
It was claimed the squad were taken by surprise when he revealed at a press conference that he would make few changes for their match against Ecuador.
Nagelsmann was then said to have lined up with an attacking trio of Florian Wirtz, Leroy Sane and Maximilian Beier in their final training session before the match, before replacing the latter with Jamal Musiala in the starting line-up.
Germany stars reportedly feel they have been ‘left in the dark’ about head coach Julian Nagelsmann’s plans during the World Cup
Stars were reportedly surprised when Nagelsmann revealed he would not rotate heavily for their final group match, a 2-1 defeat by Ecuador
Nagelsmann had reportedly stressed to his players after the defeat to Ecuador that he had wanted to give ‘everyone an opportunity’ in his squad.
It followed Nagelsmann making a series of substitutions in the second half, with the head coach said to be placing an emphasis on building the team spirit in the squad.
Just four players in Germany’s 26-man squad are yet to receive minutes so far at the World Cup, with two of them being back-up goalkeepers Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nubel.
Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade and Assan Ouedraogo, who was a late replacement for the injured Lennart Karl, have also remained on the bench throughout.
Woltemade’s lack of involvement is claimed to have raised concern, having been a fixture of Germany’s line-up during qualifying.
The forward scored four goals in six matches in qualification and had played in 11 straight matches, before being left on the bench in their previous four fixtures.
Kai Havertz and Deniz Undav have forced themselves ahead of Woltemade in Germany’s attack in recent matches.
Newcastle forward Nick Woltemade is one of just four Germany players yet to feature at the World Cup
Havertz has led the line in Germany’s three group matches and scored twice in their opening game against Curacao.
Undav has proved effective in coming off the bench with the forward also netting against Curacao, before scoring twice as a substitute to help Germany come from behind to beat the Ivory Coast.
Germany will start as favourites in their last-32 tie against Paraguay, who qualified as a third placed team.
Paraguay advanced after beating Turkey and drawing with Australia, having bounced back from losing their opening match 4-1 to the United States.
Should Germany beat Paraguay, Nagelsmann’s side would face a potential blockbuster last-16 tie against France, who play Sweden on Tuesday night.
Have you paid attention to the action so far? Try our World Cup quiz HERE
