San Francisco Frontiers - Germany bank on team spirit to end World Cup woes

Germany were long known as a 'Tourniermannschaft', or tournament team, due to decades of success on the biggest stages.

The term recognised Germany's history of performing at major tournaments regardless of form or individual quality, but took a hit with group stage exits at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

And while they may have some talented individuals, Germany probably do not have a squad to match those of England, Spain or France.

"If you have the best squad in the world, you can just play your game," said Nagelsmann, whose team play Switzerland in Basel on Friday and then host Ghana in Stuttgart on Monday.

"We have a very, very good squad, but we didn't have the best squad in the world at the Euros in 2024 or last year.

"We need to achieve a level of variability where we can help a very, very good squad deliver a very, very good performance."

- 'Well-oiled machine' -

At the heart of Nagelsmann's squad for the two upcoming friendlies are seven Bayern Munich players -- the most he has selected from the German giants for an international squad.

Bayern midfielder Jamal Musiala would have been the eighth but was left out to continue his injury recovery.

Since taking over in 2023, Nagelsmann has picked on form rather than reputation and has spoken about the need to pick a coherent team built on players who are willing to work hard, rather than the best individuals.

In recent squads, this has meant a heavy reliance on players from 2023-24 double winners Bayer Leverkusen or German cup holders Stuttgart.

With Bayern back to their best this season -- having won 36 and lost just two of 42 games played in all competitions -- it is no surprise to see so many players in this squad.

One of those is Germany captain Joshua Kimmich.

"It helps the national team when many Bayern players are on the pitch, because we're a well-oiled machine and we train together every day," he said on Tuesday.

"We have certain automatisms."

Germany's Bayern core is complemented by a Premier League attacking trident of Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz and Nick Woltemade, along with in-form Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav, who has 18 goals in 23 Bundesliga games this season.

Often deployed by Nagelsmann as a forward, Havertz embodies the type of flexibility the coach is looking for.

Speaking on Wednesday, Havertz said that he was happy to play wherever he was needed.

"I feel very comfortable in all attacking roles. I'm a very versatile player. I've played in various positions for the national team and Arsenal," Havertz told reporters.

Praising the atmosphere in camp, Havertz said that Germany would use the March friendlies to put the finishing touches on what is already a strong collective.

"(Team spirit) is obviously the most important element -- no team can function without cohesion," he said.

"We're on the right track there."

He added: "That's extremely important at a World Cup... I'm very confident the World Cup will be a success."

N.Flores--SFF