👀 Change of system for Germany? Sané set for a new role | OneFootball

After a short recovery block at the start of the week and a completely free Tuesday, the German national team has been fully focused again since Wednesday on the second group match against Ivory Coast. Apparently, a secret defensive plan was also rehearsed. 

According to information from 'Bild', one thing in particular was the focus during the closed part of training: Germany is reportedly preparing a secret system change in its defensive base shape. The session therefore centered on an adjustment without the ball: the usual 4-2-3-1 was at times turned into a deeper 5-4-1 system.

In this variant, Leroy Sané moved to the right side of a back five alongside Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck and Brown on the left. In front of them, a line of four formed in midfield with Wirtz, Pavlović, Nmecha and Musiala, while Havertz remained up front as the lone striker.

The additional cover provided by Sané and Brown is intended to shut down the wings more consistently in defense. Antonio Rüdiger had already warned about the opponent’s pace: the Ivorians are said to be extremely strong in one-on-one situations and demand the highest level of concentration.

It was apparently already emphasized internally that Sané is taking on an important role not only offensively, but defensively as well. His support for Kimmich in particular has recently stood out in a positive way – for example through consistent tracking back and quick transitions after losing possession.

In addition to the defensive adjustment, 'Bild' reports that work was also done on an attacking variation. In another secret training setup, Jamal Musiala operated as a second striker alongside Kai Havertz. Wirtz and Sané occupied the flanks, while Nmecha and Pavlović provided cover in midfield and Kimmich could move into the center when needed.

Such adjustments fit Nagelsmann’s approach: the national team coach is considered flexible and regularly changes structures even during matches. His in-game coaching is often praised – he uses extra breaks such as the much-discussed hydration pauses for tactical corrections. Germany had already regained more control against Curaçao after smaller adjustments.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

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