Julian Nagelsmann has been appointed as the new head coach of the Germany men’s national team.
The former TSG Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig boss will be the successor to Hansi Flick, who was relieved of his duties after a 4-1 defeat against Japan on 10th September.
Nagelsmann is aiming to guide Germany through a successful tournament at Euro 2024. His first matches in charge will be during Germany’s upcoming US tour, as they come up against the USA on 14th October (21:00 CEST) and Mexico on 18th October (02:00 CEST).
In a press conference, the 38-year-old spoke about his new position and the energy he is hoping to bring to the team. He was joined on the podium by DFB president Bernd Neuendorf and sporting director Rudi Völler.
“The aim is to have a strong showing at the EUROs on home soil next summer. It’s great motivation for me, as well as a massive challenge, but one that I am very much aware of and am looking forward to,” said Nagelsmann.
“We want to excite people by playing good football. We don’t want to overcomplicate things in the lead-up to the Euros. However, we have a specific idea and we want to excite people by playing attractive football, not just with our results.
“Hosting a European Championship in your own country isn’t something that happens often. We want to get people on board in the lead-up to the tournament already and generate excitement, so that we are able to play at home in what is an incredible country with incredible citizens.
“One thing is obvious: if you’re playing in the EUROs or any tournament – and this is true from youth football up to professional football – you’re taking part with the intention of winning.
“I’m not worried, because I have full confidence in the team and the coaching staff. It’s an enormous privilege to be the head coach of a team that’s hosting the EUROs.
“There’s a lot of desire to build on the mood after the France game. In an ideal world, we’ll get to see a ‘Sommermärchen 2.0’. I will do everything I can to make sure that happens.”