Julian Nagelsmann World Cup Squad is a controversial one even before it can be officially released. The coach of Germany has cautioned his supporters against the fact that not all of his choices will be popular in the global FIFA world cup to be held in the United States of America, Canada and Mexico.
Talking to kicker, the 38-year-old ensured that he is going to make bold calls. He acknowledged that some of his decisions will not have a lot of acceptance. This statement in itself has cast doubts throughout German football circles.
On 14 June, Germany started their campaign against Curacao. Group E will then include them, Cote d Ivoire and Ecuador. On paper, it looks manageable. But squad balance will be key. Nagelsmann is aware that reputation does not win tournaments. By structure, form and tactual clarity they are won.
It has been demonstrated previously that the German coach is not averse to making bold decisions. He tended to give young players preference to established ones at club level. The world is now observing, and he can now once more put the emphasis on the energy, versatility and pressing ability rather than experience per se.
Germany has a poor track record in the recent past. The team needs stability. It also needs fresh momentum. Nagelsmann seems willing to transform expectations, and not merely meet them.
The greatest question is who loses out. The exclusions of big names are usually in the news. However, the actual narrative will be how the chosen squad will fit his tactical vision.
The World Cup is on the anthem, and the eagerness is building up. Regardless of the opinions of the fans, Nagelsmann appears to be bent on supporting his football sense, rather than the opinion of the people.
