German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann is a student of history — and he understands the dominance that Germany has had over Portugal through the years.

That does not mean anything to him, though, as he prepares his squad to face the Portuguese national team in the UEFA Nations League semifinals.

“As a national team coach, I haven’t beaten Portugal yet. Ultimately, we have to score more goals tomorrow. Statistics don’t play a role,” Nagelsmann said (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “It’s a kind of mini EUROs. I’m looking forward to the game with our fans, in a nice stadium. Hopefully we’ll play two games there. That would be perfect. We’re all happy we’ll play this tournament in Germany.”

When perusing Portugal’s roster, it is not hard for a few names to jump off the sheet — including the heavy Paris Saint-Germain influence and, of course, Cristiano Ronaldo.

“It can be an advantage or a disadvantage [for them], because they had less rest than others. All three are very good players and absolutely deserved the Champions League title. They’ve developed very well over the season and played good football. Vitinha and João Neves are very difficult to get under control in midfield. Vitinha felt like he ran 14 km in the final. He was one of the best players in the Champions League and has a big influence on PSG and the national team,” Nagelsmann said. “(Cristiano Ronaldo)’s had an outstanding career over so many years. Performing at this level for so long is extraordinary. He’s scored so many goals and had a lot of influence on the teams he played for. I hope he won’t have a lot of influence on tomorrow’s game. Despite his age, he’s still very dangerous, a goal threat and strong in the air in the penalty box. We have to be wary of that tomorrow.”

As for his own team, Nagelsmann is mostly settled on a lineup, but not completely there as of yet.

“I have 9 out of 11 positions in mind. The players have yet to be informed, but I think most of them know whether they will start or not,” said Nagelsmann. “I don’t know yet (if Nick Woltemade or Niclas Füllkrug will start). Nick and Fülle have both trained very well. Fülle has been here longer and knows everything better. But Nick made a good impression and has a lot of confidence after the season he played. They’re different types of players. I haven’t decided yet who plays tomorrow.”

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