Germany's Nagelsmann says he doesn't need to prove himself

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann dismissed any personal pressure to prove himself ahead of his team's World Cup Round of 32 match against Paraguay. He asserted that his sole focus is on the team's success and preparing his players for the challenge.

“

It is only about the team and success. To bring onto the pitch the good atmosphere we have as a group. I don't feel I have to prove anything apart to help my players and prepare them for the game. I do not think I have any responsibility to prove myself to anyone.

"It is only about the team and success," Nagelsmann told a press conference. "To bring onto the pitch the good atmosphere we have as a group. I don't feel I have to prove anything apart to help my players and prepare them for the game. I do not think I have any responsibility to prove myself to anyone."

Germany, four-time World Cup champions, entered the tournament with a nine-match winning streak. However, a shock 2-1 loss to Ecuador in their final group match snapped that streak, despite having already secured top spot in Group E. This defeat, while inconsequential for their progression, has amplified scrutiny on Nagelsmann, who has publicly stated the team's goal is to win the title.

“

They are a very uncomfortable opponent who will be demanding a lot from us.

Nagelsmann has also faced criticism for his team selection, including keeping top scorer Deniz Undav on the bench despite his impact as a substitute, and for perceived inconsistencies in the form of players like Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz. He acknowledged Paraguay as a "very uncomfortable opponent" and stressed the high expectations placed on the national team. "It is always about winning when talking about the national team, trying to win every game. How you deal with expectations is just self-confidence, give the players a good plan so they feel comfortable and do the right things on the pitch. If you win everything is perfect, if you lose everything is shit, so we have to win tomorrow," he said.

“

It is always about winning when talking about the national team, trying to win every game. How you deal with expectations is just self-confidence, give the players a good plan so they feel comfortable and do the right things on the pitch. If you win everything is perfect, if you lose everything is shit, so we have to win tomorrow.