One of the notable decisions of Julian Nagelsmann since his appointment as head coach last month is the return of Mats Hummels to Germany’s squad. Hummels previously played for Bayern and is now in his second stint with Borussia Dortmund. Meanwhile, he is back in the squad after an absence of over two years since earning his 76th cap.
Since Hummels’ last appearance in international football, Julian Nagelsmann becomes the third individual to assume the role of head coach. This comes after Jogi Low. He declared more than four and a half years ago that both Hummels and Muller had no prospects in the German national team. However, now another coach has taken the helm.
It’s natural to question whether Hummels might be on the older side of the spectrum. Especially if this week’s trip and the upcoming matches against the US and Mexico are primarily a warm-up for the World Cup to happen in the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 2026. By that time, Hummels will have his 37th birthday. Meanwhile, Muller, a veteran of four World Cups, will be approaching a similar age.
Gross earned the first of his two caps last month, just prior to Flick’s dismissal. Behrens is eagerly anticipating his international debut under Nagelsmann’s leadership. Although he hasn’t been an exceptionally high-scoring player for the rising Union team, he has managed to net four goals this season.
Can Julian Nagelsmann rejuvenate the German squad?
At just 36 years old, Nagelsmann, displaying remarkable precocit. He included 12 players in his initial German squad who are aged 30 or above. With a few of them having relatively few caps. This choice reflects both his immediate concerns and the apparent limitations in the development of emerging young German talent.
Long-term goals such as rebuilding Germany’s World Cup reputation can take a back seat for now. With just eight months until they host the European Championship, the priority is to ensure they make a strong showing and avoid early exits. A trend that has plagued them in their last three major tournaments, with quarter-finals being the minimum target.
Additionally, there is a looming concern regarding Manuel Neuer. The goalkeeper, who is a year older than Nagelsmann, suffered a leg injury in December while he was still the captain for both Germany and Bayern. Moreover, he publicly expressed his disapproval of the club’s coaching hierarchy. That is at a time when Nagelsmann was at the helm, for the dismissal of the goalkeeping coach, Toni Tapalovic.
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