With the 0:2 defeat in Slovakia, the German national team has made a real false start in the World Cup qualification. After the debacle, national coach Julian Nagelsmann announced changes at today’s press conference.

Right at the beginning, the coach revealed that “personnel changes are certainly going to happen” in tomorrow’s match against Northern Ireland. Nagelsmann did not reveal who specifically would be affected. He also remained tight-lipped when asked whether Maximilian Mittelstädt would again fill in at right-back.

However, Serge Gnabry is likely to be fit to play. According to Nagelsmann, the Bayern star suffered a “bruise on the elbow” against Slovakia, but he returned to training today and the national coach does not expect it to hinder him or cause him problems in tomorrow’s game, and he could also play.

📸 Lars Baron – 2025 Getty Images

On the criticism of the lack of attitude, Nagelsmann sees his options as limited: “From a coach’s perspective, it’s about giving the players something that makes it easier for them to play football emotionally.” After the debacle in Slovakia, he discussed this issue especially with the defense and expects changes in the “loud communication” in all parts of the team against Northern Ireland.

Goalkeeper Oliver Baumann, who attended the press conference with his coach, assured that the team had sat down together after the match on Friday evening and sees “energy, passion, tackling behavior” as points for improvement. “The order is: first the basics, then the playful elements come by themselves,” the Hoffenheim keeper explained the approach for tomorrow.

They will face Northern Ireland, ranked 71st in the FIFA World Rankings. Their first match of the World Cup qualification was won by goals from Jamie Reid, Shea Charles, and Justin Devenny with a 3:1 victory over Luxembourg.

📸 Lars Baron – 2025 Getty Images