Germany’s national football team is set to face Hungary in their final Nations League group match, with head coach Julian Nagelsmann implementing several lineup changes. Despite already securing the group’s top spot, Nagelsmann emphasizes the importance of performance and development over results. Key players like Leroy Sané and Alexander Nübel are expected to feature prominently, while captain Joshua Kimmich returns from injury. The match is anticipated to be competitive, highlighting a focus on teamwork and growth.
Upcoming Clash in Budapest: Germany vs. Hungary
As the German national football team gears up for their final group match in the Nations League against Hungary, head coach Julian Nagelsmann has announced a series of exciting lineup changes. Players like Leroy Sané and Alexander Nübel are poised to seize a starting position.
This match, scheduled for Tuesday at 20:45 and accessible via radio broadcast, marks the year-end showdown for Germany. Following an impressive 7-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, the team now faces Hungary, a game that largely lacks competitive stakes as Germany has already secured the top spot in the group, while Hungary is set to finish third. Nonetheless, Nagelsmann emphasizes the importance of showcasing ‘greed’ and determination on the pitch.
Nagelsmann’s Focus on Development and Team Dynamics
Heading into their sixth group match, Nagelsmann underscores that motivation stems from a desire for improvement rather than the current group standings. “The situation in the group doesn’t provide extra motivation. Our drive comes from wanting to develop,” he stated during a press conference before the match. In a follow-up interview with BR24Sport, he expressed confidence in the team’s eagerness to perform.
Nagelsmann has infused a fresh energy into the squad. With the World Cup qualification and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, he aims to maximize the team’s potential and maintain a winning mentality. “Wanting to win is essential for tomorrow,” he asserted.
However, due to the physical demands placed on certain players, some adjustments will be necessary. Nagelsmann plans to rest key athletes while providing valuable match experience to others in the lineup. “And it is possible,” he noted regarding the changes.
With up to ten alterations expected, Nübel is set to return to goal, taking over from Oliver Baumann, marking his second appearance for the national team. This goalkeeper rotation is likely to conclude when regular keeper Marc-André ter Stegen returns for the Nations League quarter-finals in March.
Another adjustment sees Nico Schlotterbeck stepping in for the suspended Jonathan Tah in central defense, a change Nagelsmann confirmed: “Nico plays, that’s clear.”
Captain Joshua Kimmich is ready to return after a minor ankle injury, though Nagelsmann anticipates that he may not complete the full match. “The ankle is doing very well; he may start, but I do not expect him to play the full match,” he explained, with Benjamin Henrichs as a possible alternative.
On the offensive front, changes are also anticipated. Nagelsmann hinted at a starting role for Leroy Sané, with Serge Gnabry also fit to play. “He has brought fresh wind into our team as well as Bayern recently,” Nagelsmann remarked about Sané, who he hopes will harness his extended playing time effectively. “It’s about bringing that onto the pitch. I expect him to use the longer playing time tomorrow as he did the short one against Bosnia.”
As both teams prepare to face each other in what promises to be an intense match in a “loud, aggressive stadium,” Nico Schlotterbeck emphasized that both sides are aiming for victory. However, for Nagelsmann, the emphasis lies more on performance than the final score: “Victories are always important, but everything does not fall apart if we do not win. The way we play is more important tomorrow than the result.”