Germany captain Joshua Kimmich
Captain Joshua Kimmich has warned Northern Ireland they will face a ‘completely different’ German side in Cologne on Sunday to the out-of-sorts one that claimed an unwanted piece of history during a shock 2-0 defeat in Slovakia.
The result on Thursday was a first ever loss away from home in a World Cup qualifier for a German side, leading to huge criticism of the team here and piling pressure on manager Julian Nagelsmann.
It was also the third defeat in a row for the Germans following losses in the Nations League during the summer against eventual winners Portugal and France in the third-place Play-Off.
The fear for Northern Ireland is that they could be facing a backlash at the weekend, though Michael O’Neill’s men will enter the Group A clash in confident mood after an opening night 3-1 success in Luxembourg.
Bayern Munich star Kimmich did not hold back in his assessment of the weak display in Slovakia, vowing Germany will be much improved against Northern Ireland.
“I’m convinced we’ll show a reaction and a completely different attitude in the next game,” said the German skipper yesterday.
We have to do better in the next game. We have to support each other
“At no phase did we show courage and attitude (versus Slovakia).
“From the first minute, they had a corner and a chance. It’s not about the system, tactics, back three or back four. It’s about attitude.
“We have to do better in the next game. We have to support each other and make it easier for each other.
“We know we had a very bad game, every single individual pointing the finger at each other won’t get us anywhere. We know it wasn’t enough. We were talking before the game about winning the World Cup, but first we have to qualify. If we play like we did (against Slovakia) then it won’t be easy.”