Völler dismisses criticism on coach Nagelsmann after Portugal loss
Germany's Joshua Kimmich (C) is honored by Germany national football team (DFB) Sports Director Rudi Voeller (L) and DFB President Bernd Neuendorf before his 100th international match ahead of the UEFA Nations League semi final soccer match between Germany and Portugal at Allianz Arena. Sven Hoppe/dpa
German national team sporting director Rudi Völler has backed Julian Nagelsmann in the wake of criticism on the coach following a 2-1 Nations League semi-final defeat against Portugal.
Nagelsmann was criticised by some over his tactics and substitutions at Wednesday's game in Munich. Germany lost after leading 1-0 shortly after half-time, making three substitutions after which Portugal turned the match around.
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Völler told the ran portal that it is always the same story in football.
"When you win, everything is always wonderful and everyone pats you on the back. If you lose, especially when expectations are very high, especially at a home tournament, then of course a lot of things are questioned and criticised. That's part of the job," he said.
Völler said that Nagelsmann and his staff had kept up the euphoria after Euro 2024 and that the team showed in recent matches against the Netherlands, Italy and France "at a very high level what we are capable of."
Nagelsmann had said that the Nations League title had been the aim, also to boost morale for next year's World Cup. Instead they will play for third place on Sunday against France but Völler refused to speak of a major setback.
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"These are things that happen. You must not forget the opponents we played against. The top four teams in Europe are at this tournament. We all knew that it would be difficult," he said.
"Of course we would have liked to have done a bit better, and of course Julian Nagelsmann as well, but it is not a dent at all."
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