Germany's head coach Julian Nagelsmann did not hold back in his criticism of his players after their disappointing 2-0 loss to Slovakia in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. The defeat, which saw David Hancko score just before halftime and David Strelec add a second goal in the 55th minute, left the German team looking lackluster despite dominating possession throughout the match.

In the aftermath, Nagelsmann expressed his frustration, emphasizing that the players on the pitch are among the best talents available in German football. He pointedly remarked that mere talent is insufficient if players do not demonstrate the necessary willingness and desire to perform. He suggested that the team might benefit from calling up players who may not have the same level of skill but would bring more heart to the game.

Nagelsmann drew comparisons to a recent narrow victory by Bayern Munich, where he noted that the opposing team was able to compete effectively not because of superior quality, but due to their emotional commitment and drive. His remarks highlight a concerning lack of fight from the German squad, which is facing mounting pressure as they prepare for their next qualifier against Northern Ireland. This upcoming match is critical for Germany to avoid falling into a precarious position early in the qualification process.

As the national team grapples with this setback, Nagelsmann's call for a more passionate and dedicated approach from his players underscores the urgency of addressing their performance issues ahead of the crucial match in Köln.