Kimmich and Nagelsmann defend Collins after horror debut

Nnamdi Collins’ senior international debut for Germany certainly didn’t go according to plan.

Given the chance at right-back, the Eintracht Frankfurt defender struggled in his first game, with Slovakia’s Leo Sauer running circles around him in the first half of Germany’s disappointing 2-0 defeat, which saw Collins substituted at half-time

After the match, captain Joshua Kimmich offered support to his young teammate. 

Kimmich himself made his Germany debut against Slovakia nine years ago and had a tough start in a 1-3 defeat, but has since gone to represent his country more than 100 times.

“He can still go on to play 100 international matches,” Kimmich said.

“I don’t think it was his fault. Especially when you make your debut and are new to the team, you depend a bit more on the squad to integrate into a functioning unit. I hope he doesn’t overthink it. Because he wasn’t worse than any of us.”

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann acknowledged that Collins didn’t have his best game, but also shielded the 21-year-old and took responsibility himself.

“He didn’t have a super-good day, but I won’t hold the debutant responsible,” Nagelsmann said.

“The fact that a debutant didn’t play well is my responsibility. I selected him, he played – I’m responsible for that, not him.”