DFB victory against Northern Ireland: Fan criticism of Nagelsmann and team

Mandatory win against Northern Ireland: Nagelsmann and players in the crossfire of the fans

This commentary analysis refers to the FOCUS online article " German national team secures mandatory victory against Northern Ireland - Nagelsmann reacts to boos ." While the narrow 3-1 victory of the German national team is causing relief, skepticism and frustration dominate the comments. Readers' main criticisms are national coach Nagelsmann, the style of play, and the players' willingness to perform. Despite the mandatory victory, the mood remains tense and fraught with doubts about a turnaround.

Critical voices toward national coach Julian Nagelsmann dominate the discussion, with 22 percent. Readers question his suitability, sometimes mockingly demand his replacement, and describe his communication as unconvincing. Many assume that the coach is no longer supported by the team and the association.

"Nagelsmann should go into politics. They speak pretty much the same language, I can understand that, and they paid for it. But people don't understand what I'm trying to say, and so on and so forth. Exhausting." Original comment

"The team is showing they don't want Nagelsmann. Now it's up to the DFB to end its collaboration with Nagelsmann today." Original comment

"So Julian Nagelsmann wants to become world champion, he just didn't say in which sport." Read the original comment .

"I am an avowed doubter of the national coach's abilities. Anyone who lets themselves get into such trouble has little chance of successfully advancing. But with the 3-1 victory, everything is now being painted in rosy colors again..." Read the original comment.

18 percent of readers are dissatisfied with the team's football performance: A lack of pace, too many cross-passes, and a lack of creativity are the main points of criticism. Joshua Kimmich, in particular, is cited as unsuitable for the playmaker role. The criticism is directed at both the coach and the players.

"The game against Northern Ireland wasn't much better than the one against Slovakia, apart from the result. I'd like to know who told the team that the ball should always be played slowly across the pitch and that it shouldn't be passed forward so quickly. Perhaps that's also down to Kimmich, who will never become a playmaker." Original comment

"Germany won with 200 cross passes to 5. The 3-1 defeat disguises a dismal performance. We have no place at the World Cup like this. No spirit. If you want to see how a number 9 plays, look at Kane from Bayern. He's everywhere on the pitch. Woltemade fell short of his expectations. Perhaps Bayern would have been a good stopover for him. The thing with the cross passes can only be an instruction from the coach. So obvious. Shameful." Read the original comment.

"Nagelsmann had the same problem at Bayern. Back-and-forth play, hardly any pace in the game! Sorry, but he can't do it." Original comment

Some readers (15 percent) evaluate individual players. Negative assessments predominate: Some readers accuse key players like Rüdiger and Goretzka of lacking spirit, while isolated bright spots like Wirtz and Amiri receive attention.

"Sure, there were a few bright spots (e.g. Anton and Leveling) and Wirtz was at least okay (the goal was great, of course). But Raum, Kimmich, and Woltemade were once again indifferent. Except for one action each from the three (in 90 minutes!)." Original comment

"Rüdiger is the evil spirit in the team." Read the original comment

Ironic to sarcastic criticism of the team takes up a significant portion, accounting for 16 percent of the responses. Readers mock the value of the victory, see the team as overrated for its tradition, and don't expect any progress in major tournaments in this form.

"Well then, everything is clear, the national selection of the DFB has won and will be world champions anyway...or won't it????" To the original comment

"This loser team is celebrating a narrow victory over Northern Ireland as if they had just won the World Cup. Pathetic!" Original comment

"Now we'll be world champions... definitely!" Read the original comment

Further comments reflect on the game's progress – often with a skeptical tone. Most assume a lack of composure, but some also see glimmers of hope or praise the effort in crucial phases.

"By the skin of its teeth. There was nothing confident about it." Original comment

"A well-deserved hard-fought victory! It'll be alright!" Original comment

In addition, the readership sheds light on the general culture of commentary and discussion. Readers address a tense atmosphere in the discussion, sometimes feel their opinions are suppressed, or criticize the aggressiveness of other commentators.

"After the Slovakia defeat, Germany also struggled for a long time against Northern Ireland. A substitute and a brilliant moment from Florian Wirtz saved the national team and national coach Julian Nagelsmann from another embarrassment. That's what the headline says, but there are commentators here who get quite aggressive when you confirm this in your own comments. They either saw a different game or are simply looking for a riot." Original comment

"Cool, now criticism is simply suppressed" To the original comment

"There are people here who have no joy in life. They just rant and rave against everything and everyone." Original comment

8 percent fall into clusters outside the main topics: These include recognition for the Northern Irish effort, sarcastic political references and recommendations for changes in tactics and team line-up.

"Let's not get too carried away, 1/3 of the Northern Irish play in (local leagues in our country) and are involved in their careers on the side, nothing about million-dollar salaries...they did well, chapeau,..." To the original comment

"If he now puts Kimmich in the stands and brings in a player who can take corners, then something could happen!" Original comment

"But the small Federal Republic of Germany completely outflanked the gigantic six counties and defeated them convincingly. Was that well described? Can I apply to Merkel?" Original comment

Despite the much-needed victory against Northern Ireland, there is considerable skepticism and, at times, bitter disappointment among readers – especially regarding the coach, playing style, and team spirit. Hopes for a lasting turnaround are noticeably limited. Join the discussion: How do you assess the future of the German national team under Julian Nagelsmann – does it require a more radical cut in the squad or a completely new approach from the coach? Share your opinion in the comments section!