The German Soccer Federation (DFB) confirmed it renewed Julian Nagelsmann's contract until Euro 2028. The contract was to end after the 2026 World Cup and has now been extended. Such renewal brings up very significant discussions about Germany's strategy for reclaiming its glorious status on the international field. Is this the end for the German national team, restoring it?
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Trust extension or strategy?
Contract renewal for Nagelsmann goes beyond the mere process of extending an agreement. It can be said to be a vote of confidence, clearly on results and a connection with the national team and its fans. Since taking charge in September 2023, Nagelsmann has faced the challenge of breathing life into the team, which had just come off a bumpy period under Hansi Flick. Not even the coach was prepared for the length of the new deal, admitting that he had not seen himself staying until beyond Euro 2024 when he took the role.
"In September 2023, when I joined the DFB, I could not imagine being the national coach beyond the home Euro 2024. Our big goal was a successful tournament. But at that time, I could not have anticipated what the national team means to the German people — how many hearts it touches and moves. We are all in this together —f ans, the team, and the staff — and now we want to have even more success, winning titles together," he said.
This step by DFB can be interpreted as a move for stability in competitive landscapes. Germans, known as a disciplined long-term planner since time immemorial, will rely on continuity as their bet to gain back the spot as a title contender.
Performance context in Germany
At least, the performances have been promising since Nagelsmann took over. The team qualified for the quarterfinals of the UEFA Nations League with a good campaign: four wins and two draws in Group 3 of League A. That's not any performance. The big question, however, remains: Do these results show a team ready for major triumphs, or is Germany still looking for its identity on the world stage?
The weight of the German jersey is undeniable, but recent years have brought it challenges that cannot be ignored. Recent World Cups full of disappointments and a very unstable performance at previous Euros have gone a long way in diluting the confidence of both fans and the team itself. It seems Nagelsmann is rebuilding this connection again by giving voice to these feelings through emotional comments about the national team's worth to the German people.
Is Julian Nagelsmann the right man at the right time?
The choice of Julian Nagelsmann as Germany's coach in 2023 was not well received by all. He had never managed a national team and was two years from coaching experience. However, his playing relationship with clubs like Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig, and even Bayern Munich showed him to be an individual who could lift an excellent side to victory.
One aspect that can be noted is Nagelsmann's adaptability and innovation. He is not a coach who rigidly sticks to fixed formations or predictable strategies. That flexibility has been evident since his first two games in charge. This trait might be precisely what Germany needs to become a feared opponent in international competitions again.
On the other hand, the relative lack of experience of Nagelsmann in the national level is a double-edged sword. The inexperience of getting involved with the national teams at tournament levels does not go so well, especially in those decisive moments. The way to Euro 2028 would be the real test to tell if he is indeed the one for Germany.
The Nations League is more or less a lead-in to what will happen later on.
Germany heads into the quarterfinals of the UEFA Nations League with high spirits. The match away against Italy on March 20 would therefore be the first proper test of the kind to see if the team was indeed going the right way under Nagelsmann. So far, the coach had shown that he had the group under his control, but Italy was a different story altogether, even at their worst. This is where they would come out and judge whether or not the coach has really headed towards the right course.
Also, Nations League could be described as the testing area of Euro 2028. The most fitting opportunity for putting together some younger stars to help with a testing ground on which their tactics should improve as well as develop competitive-minded players. This would present the needed change to create more German identity during this era led by Nagelsmann.
Expectation for Germany during Euro 2028
Germany will face a challenging but exciting scenario as Euro 2028 is hosted in the UK and Ireland. The Germans have never had a problem playing on foreign soil, but the pressure to perform at a high level will be greater than ever. The renewal of Nagelsmann shows that the DFB is willing to give him the time and space to build a legacy. However, time is not something that soccer often grants generously.
Tradition, talent, and now apparently stability in technical leadership: that is Germany. Provided Nagelsmann can harmonize these factors, there is no reason to believe that the team can't fight for titles again. Of course, just like in every top-level sport, it will all come down to details: tactical choices, emotional control, and turning strong campaigns into unforgettable achievements.