Kimmich remains out for Nagelsmann debut, Musiala looks forward to sharing axis with Wirtz
Speaking at his final pre-match press conference ahead of tonight's exhibition fixture against the USMNT, German Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann effectively confirmed that a persistent cold would sideline midfielder Joshua Kimmich in the forthcoming match.
Jamal Musiala - also present at the presser - noted that he was looking forward to playing opposite fellow German footballing phenom Florian Wirtz. The two teenage talents are expected to operate on the second axis of Nagelsmann's 4-2-2-2.
German national team midfielder Joshua Kimmich had to skip both the Thursday and Friday German national team training sessions in Foxborough, Massachusetts with a cold he caught shortly after his trip across the Atlantic. Newly appointed German Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann emphasized that there was no reason to take any chances ahead of an exhibition fixture with the USMNT, even if getting a positive result mattered for his team.
Jamal Musiala - also present at the presser - noted that he was looking forward to playing opposite fellow German footballing phenom Florian Wirtz. The two teenage talents are expected to operate on the second axis of Nagelsmann's 4-2-2-2.
"Results are important for self confidence," Nagelsmann said at his final pre-match presser, "My style of playing football should lead to victories. If not, we'll have to find another way."
Nagelsmann noted that Kimmich's cold had gotten worse on Friday morning, going on to say that "as of now" the former Bayern protégée who named him one of the best coaches he's ever worked with would not be an option on Saturday night. Kimmich's Bayern teammate Leon Goretzka - who is also on record as having great respect for Nagelsmann following his sacking from Bayern last spring - counts as the most likely replacement. Robert Andrich could also be used.
The German national are widely expected to line up in a 4-2-2-2 formation; the preferred tactical constellation of Ralf Rangnick disciples such as Nagelsmann who have worked at Rangnick stations such as Hoffenheim and Leipzig. Young German phenom Jamal Musiala was also present at the presser. The 20-year-old made no secret of the fact that - as projected - he'd be starting opposite fellow phenom Florian Wirtz on the second attacking axis.
"Me and Flo have quite a good relationship," Musiala said, "We are good friends. On the pitch we always have fun together. We combine well and look for each other. We both just have fun playing football together."
"I read a few months ago that the two of them can't play together, but I think it's a very good idea," Nagelsmann added, "Both of them possess exceptional talent to drive the ball into the half-spaces, to dribble with pace towards the goal, and to utilize other players."