Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann launched a furious defence of his players after they suffered a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in their final group game. When a television interviewer suggested the Ecuadoreans had simply wanted victory more, Nagelsmann snapped: “No, please, stop with this nonsense.”
Nagelsmann Rejects Lack of Desire Accusations
“They didn’t want it more,” Nagelsmann bristled. “I cannot tell any of my players that they didn’t give it their all. That’s far too simplistic.” Germany had already secured qualification before the match, but the manager refused to accept that as an excuse for the performance.
Match Details
Ecuador took a 2-0 lead before Germany pulled one back, but the hosts were unable to find an equaliser. The result means Germany finish their group campaign with two wins and one loss.
Nagelsmann’s comments came after a reporter suggested that Ecuador’s greater hunger had been decisive. The 36-year-old coach insisted his team had prepared seriously and that the defeat was down to footballing factors, not a lack of effort.
