Former Germany international Didi Hamann has launched a scathing attack on national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, accusing him of failing to attend enough matches and lacking the ability to unite the squad after Germany's shock last-32 exit from the World Cup. Germany suffered their first-ever penalty shootout defeat against Paraguay, losing 4-2 on spot kicks after a 1-1 draw in Boston.
Hamann, speaking to RTE, claimed Nagelsmann rarely watches games and criticised him for not scouting players in person. 'He's never been once in Milan to watch Yann Bisseck play; he should've taken him to the World Cup,' Hamann said. 'He's never been in Brentford in two-and-a-half years to watch Kevin Schade.' The 52-year-old also noted that Nagelsmann missed the Africa Cup of Nations and the Club World Cup, unlike other national team coaches.
Germany's elimination follows a quarter-final exit at Euro 2024, where they were beaten by eventual champions Spain. Despite that performance being widely praised, Hamann argued that the team's spirit and unity have been lacking under Nagelsmann. 'Talk is cheap, and I've never been convinced that this is a team as united... and honestly it's the manager,' he said.
Nagelsmann, 38, has ruled out resigning, telling ZDF: 'I am available if the DFB wants that. If the DFB doesn't want that, they have to tell me. I'm not the type to run away.' Germany have now failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals in any major tournament since winning the World Cup in 2014, raising questions about Nagelsmann's future.
