Julian Nagelsmann has suggested he will drop some of Germany’s top players after their historic World Cup qualifying defeat to Slovakia.
The Germans were stunned 2-0 on Thursday night with goals from David Hancko and David Strelec.
The shock result has marked the first time Germany has ever lost an away game in World Cup qualifying.
Germany have now lost their last three games across all competitions in a row after defeats to Portugal and France in the Nations League semi-final and third-place play-off respectively.
Liverpool star Florian Wirtz played the full 90 minutes for Germany as did Newcastle United’s new signing Nick Woltemade.
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Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger, who used to play for Chelsea, also featured for the entire match.
Speaking after the loss, Germany head coach Nagelsmann said: ‘We picked the best players in Germany, but maybe we have to put less importance on quality and more on players who will give it all out there.’
Defeat in Slovakia could potentially cost Germany a place in Pot 1 at the 2026 World Cup with Nagelsmann’s side falling outside of the top 9 in the FIFA world rankings.
‘We did not show any emotionality in our game today,’ Nagelsmann added.
‘In terms of emotions, the opponents were miles ahead of us. We want to go to the World Cup, but today we were miles away from that.
‘The first five minutes of the second half were a bit brighter, but the rest was pretty grim.
‘I trust my team, but they have to understand that simply being a better player than the opponent is not enough if you don’t show willingness and desire. You won’t get results with the handbrake on.’
Germany are back in action on Sunday as they host Northern Ireland in their next World Cup qualifier.