Julian Nagelsmann perplexed after Austria stifles Germany

Like the previous two German national team coaches before him, former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann is looking for answers.

After his squad dropped a terrible 2-0 decision to Austria, the coach had better start seeking solutions quickly.

“We have a lot of work to do. Now, it’s about accepting the situation. We have to accept there’s simply an incredible amount of work ahead of us — in all positions. The coaches have to accept that, the players have to accept it, too,” Nagelsmann said. “I don’t think it’s because they don’t realize (what’s at stake). We are not playing with freedom. We are a unit in training, but when the game kicks off, there are lone fighters on the pitch.”

Nagelsmann was queried about his tendency to overcomplicate things with his strategies and constant tinkering, but the coach did not think those things were an issue.

“Everyone can have their own opinion, but I say quite clearly: No! The idea is very, very simple. We also get feedback from the team. It’s not complicated,” said Nagelsmann.

It does not take advanced analytics to figure out that this team is flawed on the pitch and off of it.

Julian Brandt, who was late for team meetings during the World Cup, started the match against Austria. A culture that lacks accountability and professionalism is firmly in place — and those might actually be the least of the problems for Germany.

Talent, depth, coaching, development…those are at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts, but maybe it is just as simple as this — it is not a squad of talented or serious people.