Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said on Saturday he will make many changes to his squad for Sunday’s World Cup qualifier with Northern Ireland after Thursday’s shock defeat to Slovakia.<\/p>\n
The four-time World Cup champions suffered their first away defeat in a World Cup qualifier, losing 2-0 to Slovakia in Bratislava in the opener of their campaign for the 2026 tournament.<\/p>\n
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Nagelsmann, who saw his side reach their third consecutive defeat after Nations League setbacks to Portugal<\/a> and France<\/a> in June, said that while the team’s basic philosophy will not change, there will be changes to the starting line-up for the match against Northern Ireland<\/a>.<\/p>\n “We have had discussions with both certain players and the whole squad,” Nagelsmann told a news conference.“The team has also clarified certain aspects internally. We analysed what to expect and outlined a strategy for tomorrow<\/b>.”<\/p>\n “Content-wise, it will not be a completely changed team tomorrow. But on an individual level, there will be some changes. We need to play a better game<\/b>.”<\/p>\n The Germans are the favourites to finish top of Group A, which also includes Luxembourg<\/a>, but they cannot afford to continue their run of negative results.<\/p>\n “As coach, you have to give the players something to help them play with more emotional freedom,” Nagelsmann said.“On Sunday we need players who fit the situation. We don’t have to think about qualification, but about the match itself. It’s possible that some of the players who will play may not be at the World Cup<\/b>.”<\/p>\n Possible sacking?<\/p>\n