Nagelsmann expects Goretzka to play key role at World Cup

In his exclusive interview with Kicker, Germany’s boss Julian Nagelsmann addressed several issues.

Julian Nagelsmann backs Leon Goretzka to feature as one of the starting midfielders in this summer’s World Cup. The 31-year-old has only started one of the last five Bundesliga games for Bayern Munich, but that doesn’t seem to bother the Bundestrainer.

“As things stand, Leon Goretzka will have a good chance of playing at the World Cup despite reduced game time at Bayern,” Nagelsmann said about the player he coached at the Rekordmeister.

“And we’re thinking about a similar role to the one he had in the World Cup qualifiers,” he said before elaborating his point further. “He’s someone who makes runs into the box, is strong in the air, and brings real physical presence.

“I suggest you think of the game against Northern Ireland. If he hadn’t played, we definitely wouldn’t have won since he cleared around 60 balls with his head. There will also be moments at the World Cup when we press, and the opponents then play long balls.”

Sky’s Florian Plettenberg adds that Joshua Kimmich is still considered for the right-back position. According to his prediction, Goretzka will either partner with Aleksandar Pavlovic or Felix Nmecha in Germany’s midfield. Goretzka will leave Bayern as a free agent at the end of the season.