Julian Nagelsmann believes the pressure of facing Slovakia in a “knockout” match will motivate Germany to win their final World Cup qualifier.
The battle for the automatic play-off spot in Group A is going down to the wire, with Germany at the top of the pile on goal difference, level with Slovakia on 12 points.
Germany lost 2-0 to Slovakia in their first match – only their third ever World Cup qualifying defeat – but have won all four games since.
Slovakia, meanwhile, have only lost to Northern Ireland, and another famous win over Nagelsmann’s side would ensure they avoid a play-off.
But Nagelsmann believes the winner-takes-all element of the match will bring the best out of his team.
“You are certainly a bit nervous in the morning. That is part of it, but it also makes it exciting,” says Nagelsmann.
“If we were already done, we’d be completely relaxed. But there’s something appealing about the fact that we’re not.
“We would have preferred to win in Slovakia, but we didn’t. This is the situation we are in now. We can accept it.”
“And that’s where the excitement lies in a knockout match like this, especially in the early stages.
“We expect to play a good match and get all three points.”
Germany was struggling with injuries, with Joshua Kimmich and Nico Schlotterbeck not playing against Luxembourg on Friday.
However, Nagelsmann is hopeful that the pair will be back in action on Monday.
“Nico Schlotterbeck will train normally, Joshua Kimmich still needs some rest,” said Nagelsmann.
“He is also on the field, but we want to leave the structure untouched for as long as possible. We will decide [on Monday] whether he can play.
“But I’m optimistic he can do that. It’s more about pain and comfort, but anyone who knows Joshua knows he doesn’t like to say no to a match.”
“It may also hurt a little for Schlotti, but the injury is healing well and is not infected. I assume he can play.”
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