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Julian Nagelsmann is now on the clock…
Former Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann’s first major tournament has been branded a success, despite Germany’s exit in the EURO 2024 quarterfinals against Spain.
The German national team made progress, looked strong, and gave its fanbase some hope heading into the 2026 World Cup. However, if ever there was a two-year window, this is it for so many reasons — not the least of which is that Nagelsmann will exit the job promptly after the World Cup per Sport Bild journalist Christian Falk (as detailed in his work for CaughtOffside as captured by @iMiaSanMia):
Julian Nagelsmann will return to club football after the 2026 World Cup. Whether or not he’s successful in the tournament, he won’t stay in the job.
There really was never much doubt that Nagelsmann was only going to be a short-term solution for Germany, but the clock now starts to tick. What are the key things that Nagelsmann needs to address on the squad ahead of the World Cup? Let’s take a look…
Replacing Toni Kroos
This will be far easier said than done. Kroos was an instrumental part of Germany’s success at the EUROs and his calmness and steady play were incredibly important to what Germany did in its buildup and its attack.
Nagelsmann will not have an easy time finding someone to fill those shoes and might have his hopes tied to Bayern Munich youngster Aleksandar Pavlović, whose resume is not all that staunch just yet. Pavlović has a calmness to his game where he never looks flustered and has proven to be an accurate passer in all areas of the pitch. His play in the buildup and his ability to join the attack are both key attributes that Germany needs.
However, Pavlović is still just 20-years-old and has more developing to do. It will be a lot to ask of such a young player, but the midfielder might have to get thrown into the fire a little earlier than expected.
Figuring out if Manuel Neuer is staying onboard
After a very successful stint for Germany at the EUROs, Neuer’s place as the team’s No.1 goalkeeper is still rock solid. The veteran, however, is 38-years-old and needs to decide if he is going to take one last run at a World Cup or if he is going to retire.
There is speculation on both ends of that, but Nagelsmann, whose relationship with Neuer has not always been great, will have to work closely with Neuer in the coming weeks and months to get an idea on what Neuer is thinking.
It would be a boost if Neuer stays on and can stay at his current level of play, but Father Time is eventually going to come for Neuer and there are other capable options if there is a severe dip in the goalkeeper’s performances.
Get the striker position up-to-par
In a weird bit of news, reports already have dropped that Nagelsmann is going to commit to Arsenal FC’s Kai Havertz to be his striker for the 2026 World Cup. Barring another German emerging from the ashes of the country’s striker graveyard, Havertz will remain the starter and likely be backed (again) by Niclas Füllkrug (currently 31-years-old) and Maximilian Beier (21-years-old).
That might cause consternation for some Germany fans, but Nagelsmann appears to be set on Havertz and does have two years to help him figure it out. The attacker does have all the tools to be successful, but his finishing has betrayed him — at least as far as being the type of scorer that the team needs in a tourney format.
Overall
Germany is in a good spot, but it will not be easy. Avoiding injuries, developing young players, and getting the squad to peak at the right time will all play a major role in how successful the team will eventually be in 2026.
The race is on…and Nagelsmann seems to be prepared for the sprint.
Bayern Munich is a busy bee (no offense Borussia Dortmund) these days.
There are many wheels in motion for the club, which leaves us plenty to chat about, so let’s get to it. This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show:
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As I’ve detailed before, I was a hardcore Pearl Jam fan for years, but just have grown a little further away from the band than I was back in my college days and early 20s.
In its prime, the band put one quality album after another, which led to many songs flying under the radar because they just did not get the airplay that some of the “hits” did. “Low Ligt” is one of those that would hit into that category.
Released on the Yield album, “Low Light” was one of those songs that slid under the mainstream radar. Enjoy:
RB Leipzig star Dani Olmo has been one of the stars of the EUROs and the versatile 26-year-old knows he has a big decision ahead. While he is fully focused on Spain’s showdown with England in the finale, Olmo knows he will have to make a big decision in the coming days.
“My people know what I want to do… I have too much to do with the Euros to be thinking about other things. I have a contract with Leipzig and we have a very good relationship. There won’t be any problem,” Olmo told Sport (as captured by Barca Universal).
Bayern Munich, FC Barcelona, and Manchester City have all been linked to Olmo, but it would be hard to discount RB Leipzig’s chances of convincing him to stay, too.
Rating: 3.00/10.00
Rating: 9.00/10.00
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