Germany’s loss to Paraguay signaled a disappointing ending to the World Cup for Julian Nagelsmann.
Afterward, the former Bayern Munich coach took blame for his tactics, but was still appalled by the VAR decision to wipe away what would have been a game-winning goal by Jonathan Tah in extra time.
“We had a very slow build-up play; it took ages to shift it from wing to wing,” Nagelsmann explained. “At some point, we switched to a sort of brute-force approach, and then, yes, it was important to make the balls
sharp into the box,” Nagelsmann told ZDF (as captured by Goal). “At some point, I think we had six or seven players above 6ft 2in on the pitch too and had 11 or 12 corners. We then score a goal from the latter which is a scandal as the referee blows his whistle to disallow it. I have no idea what he saw there. It’s truly a joke.
“But that’s how it is, it’s pointless to dwell on. We still have to settle and handle the game beforehand, and handle it differently, and we didn’t manage to do that.”
Nagelsmann was then shown a replay of the VAR decision on Tah and could not believe his eyes.
“I’m seeing it again right now. It’s not just a scandal, it’s an absolute scandal. That is not even remotely a foul play,” said Nagelsmann.
When pushed again about his tactics, Nagelsmann offered a terse response.
“Yes, as I already said, our build-up play today was simply too slow,” he said. “Yes, I just told you. The build-up play was too slow. I’ve already said that three times now,” said Nagelsmann.
The future for Nagelsmann is uncertain and the DFB will surely be working to determine whether or not it wants to move forward with the ex-RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim manager.
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