DFB director Rudi Völler watched Germany’s 2-0 loss to Slovakia and was angry about the lackluster performance, which lacked energy and heart.
“It wasn’t just disappointing, it was a lifeless performance. The second half was a bit better but still not good enough. The players have to go for duels and win them for the national team like they do for their clubs. These are the basics of football. Otherwise there will be a very rude and bitter awakening,” Völler said (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
Völler’s
harsh assessment is on-point and his words should be considered a warning to players, who do not play with a fire burning inside of them. Will the group get the message?
The German national team hit the road to face Slovakia, looking to get off on the right foot for this round of World Cup qualifier action.
That did not happen.
Julian Nagelsmann — as he is prone to do — did some experimenting with his lineup and it did not work as the team dropped a 2-0 decision. The players were bad, the coaching was not great, and it was not a banner effort overall.
There is plenty to discuss from this match, so let’s get to it. This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show:
- A look at the starting XI.
- A rundown of the scoring and substitutions.
- Some final thoughts and takeaways on the match.
