Nagelsmann gains new insights but no big change of roles planned

The two wins in the two final matches ahead of the World Cup squad nomination will give Germany and coach Julian Nagelsmann an extra boost of confidence for the tournament in summer.

But most importantly, it offered Nagelsmann important insights to build his ideal team.

"We've gained insights that we're now processing. We've taken a few steps forward toward the World Cup," he said after the late 2-1 win against Ghana in Stuttgart on Monday evening, which followed an intense 4-3 victory over Switzerland last Friday.

Nagelsmann doesn't see four-time world champions Germany as the favourite to win the World Cup trophy this year. And the German team will have a lot to prove after consecutive group stage exits in the last two World Cup editions.

But after seven straight wins, the team is heading in the right direction and nothing boosts confidence more than success.

"We certainly didn't play two perfect games. But we still won both of them," captain Joshua Kimmich stressed.

Great offensive potential

The offence offers Nagelsmann a wide range of options: Florian Wirtz is a true game-changer, while Kai Havertz, who scored the opener against Ghana, reclaimed his spot after being sidelined for 16 months due to injury.

Serge Gnabry is performing just as good as he does at Bayern Munich and Deniz Undav stood out as a substitute with his late winner.

Meanwhile, Nagelsmann still has hopes that Jamal Musiala will be fit for the World Cup.

Musiala didn't play the March tune-up games due to a pain reaction in the ankle he severely injured last summer.

There was a new discovery in 18-year-old Lennart Karl, who impressed in his first two games for Germany.

"I think he made a great impression. He gave it his all in both games, he really stepped up. He didn't really need any time to get into the swing of things. He’s already a very, very good player," Nagelsmann said.

Roles have been clearly communicated

Nagelsmann can take 26 players to the World Cup and said after the game that no big changes in the squad are to be expected.

"We have a clear idea (about the squad) and that idea won't change too much, but of course we need to think a lot, have a lot of conversations and make a final decision," he said.

According to the coach, players have already been clearly communicated about which role they will each play at the tournament. But Undav still hopes some changes can be made.

"Of course I'd like to change them (the roles), but I'm not the one making the decisions - the coach is. We have to respect that. The team's success, of course, comes first. And everyone has their role. I hope I can still change that," he said.

Nagelsmann, however, doesn't see Undav going from a substitute to a starter for now.

"It's rather unlikely, because I didn't have those role discussions for March, but for the World Cup," he said.

"Every player should have the motivation to play a better role. That's a good thing. You then have to translate that ambition into performance on the field."

Kimmich added that "you also need a very strong bench and players who can make a difference in the final 30 or 35 minutes."

The next steps

Nagelsmann will announce his World Cup squad on May 12.

The team starts a World Cup training camp on May 25, plays Finland on May 31 and departs to the United States on June 2. A final tune-up match against the US is scheduled for May 6.

Germany play debutants Curaçao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador in the group stage of the tournament in the US, Mexico and Canada.