"What are you doing?" "Might bite us back" - Germany fans surprised by XI picked to face Switzerland in Euro 2024 clash
Germany fans on X have been left bemused after Julian Nagelsmann opted not to rotate his side despite having booked their spot in the Round of 16. They face Switzerland in their final group stage fixture at Euro 2024 later today (Sunday, June 23).
Die Mannschaft have looked quite impressive at Euro 2024 so far, firmly establishing themselves as one of the favorites to win the competition. They thrashed Scotland 5-1 before defeating Hungary 2-0 to climb to the top of Group A with six points.
In contrast, Switzerland are in second place with four points. A win against Germany would ensure they finish as group winners. This likely played a massive factor in Nagelsmann selecting his strongest possible XI.
Manuel Neuer starts in goal for Germany. Antonio Rudiger, Jonathan Tah, Joshua Kimmich, and Maximilian Mittelstadt make up the defense. The midfield consists of Robert Andrich, Toni Kroos, Florian Wirtz, Ilkay Gundogan, and Jamal Musiala while Kai Havertz starts up front to complete the starting XI (4-2-3-1).
One fan reacted by questioning Nagelsmann:
"Not even one player rotated? Bagelsmann what are you doing?"
Another fan wrote:
"This no rotation thing might bite us back."
Other reactions can be viewed below:
"They qualified but are still using first eleven," one fan pointed out.
"no rotation and tired players in the knockout games? perfect," another added.
"No rotation?" another questioned.
"Winning every game. Switzerland also have 6 points,why changing something and taking risks," one fan posted.
"It was worth playing Fulkrug from the start," another insisted.
"Don’t need rotation in a 7 game tournament, so big up to Nagelsmann," another fan claimed.
Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann explains why he won't be making any changes to starting XI to face Switzerland at Euro 2024
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann recently explained why he wouldn't be making any changes to his starting XI for the fixture against Switzerland at Euro 2024. The former Bayern Munich boss outlined maintaining rhythm as the primary factor in his decision during the pre-match press conference.
Nagelsmann said (via @iMiaSanMia h/t Get Football News Germany):
“As of now there won’t be any. It’s important that we maintain the rhythm. I don’t take the yellow card situation into account because I trust the squad. If I were a player and only played because someone was being spared due yellow cards, I would find that disrespectful. My belief is that we should throw everything into it. And if someone is suspended for a yellow card, we have a good squad to be able to replace them.”
He also gave his verdict on Switzerland ahead of their clash:
“They are a very good opponent, certainly the strongest in the group. In terms of individual player quality, I consider Switzerland to be the strongest opponent. We are up to the challenge and we want to win the third group game as well.”
Antonio Rudiger, Jonathan Tah, Maximilian Mittelstadt, and Robert Andrich are currently all on yellow cards. If any of them pick up a booking against Switzerland, they would be suspended for Germany's Round of 16 fixture - a risk Nagelsmann is clearly willing to take.
Die Mannschaft may be the favorites to secure all three points, but Switzerland are unbeaten in their last three games against the Germans, winning one, and drawing two.