„Big compliment“: Kimmich backs Nagelsmann after DFB gala | OneFootball

The convincing 6:0 victory against Slovakia was far more than just a successful qualification for the 2026 World Cup for the German national team. Above all, national coach Julian Nagelsmann experienced a much-needed relief – and received special praise from Joshua Kimmich afterwards.

The DFB team were under enormous pressure ahead of their final World Cup qualifier. A defeat would have put their direct participation in the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico in serious jeopardy, and the mood around the national team was tense. But what the German team showed against Slovakia was a demonstration: energetic, focused and clearly superior in terms of play.

For Julian Nagelsmann, this match was a personal liberation. The 38-year-old was heavily criticized after mixed performances in recent months. Joshua Kimmich, captain of the DFB team and leading player at FC Bayern, found clear words of appreciation for his coach after the clear victory.

„Everything that the coach demands, everything that the coach has prepared us for – you have to compliment him on how calm he has remained over the last few days,“ Kimmich told ZDF. The midfielder also emphasized that Nagelsmann set a clear line despite the immense pressure: „I can imagine that there is a certain amount of pressure on him. And accordingly, he really set us up superbly and we implemented it well today.“

„That has to be our basis“

The qualification meant „a lot“ to Kimmich – despite the high expectations in the country. The way the team performed was something special.

Kimmich’s analytical view of his own performance was particularly noteworthy. While the team still looked sluggish against Luxembourg, they looked like a changed team against Slovakia. The Bayern captain was unable to answer conclusively why the team does not deliver such dominant performances more often – but clearly emphasized that this must be the level to which the team orients itself.

„Today has to be a basis where we always try to get close,“ explained Kimmich. The 30-year-old highlighted several aspects: strong counter-pressing, clear man-to-man positioning, winning the ball well and creative solutions in possession. In all areas, the team showed how good they can be – if they consistently implement the coach’s instructions.