“The time for experiments has to end!” – Matthäus wants more stability for German national team

Lothar Matthäus has urged Julian Nagelsmann to experiment less and provide greater stability to the German national team.

Since taking over as Germany’s national team coach in September 2023, Julian Nagelsmann has experimented with a variety of players and tactical setups.

For Germany legend Lothar Matthäus, however, the 38-year-old would be wise to focus more on providing stability to the squad.

“The time for experiments has to end,” Matthäus told Sport Bild ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland.

“This applies both tactically and in terms of personnel. The team must gel. Even the game against Luxembourg must be used for that – because even against weaker opponents, structures can be rehearsed.”

After a disappointing 2-0 loss to Slovakia while lining up in a 4-2-3-1, Nagelsmann switched to a 3-4-2-1 formation in the subsequent win over Northern Ireland. Matthäus believes sticking with that system makes sense.

“I recommend the 3-4-2-1 system with two wing-backs, similar to the successful formation used by Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso,” he said.

Germany face Luxembourg on Friday evening.