Julian Nagelsmann comments on Xavi Simons’ foul on Jamal Musiala: “A clear penalty”

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·11 September 2024

Julian Nagelsmann comments on Xavi Simons’ foul on Jamal Musiala: “A clear penalty”

Speaking to RTL (via @iMiaSanMia), Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann gave his thoughts on the teams performance as well as a potential penalty that went against them.

Germany started off the game in terrible fashion when a long ball from the Netherlands caused Jonathan Tah and Robert Andrich to both commit which played through Tijjani Reijnders to open the scoring. Germany then struggled to take their chances but were finally rewarded when Deniz Unfav scored his first goal for Germany. The VfB Stuttgart striker then turned provided just before halftime when he assisted Joshua Kimmich.

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In the second half, Denzel Dumfries would equalise for the Netherlands.

On the performance, Nagelsmann said:

“It was an entertaining, exciting, open game from both teams. We reacted well after going behind and deserved to take the lead at half time. Unfortunately we conceded the equaliser early on in the second half, we defended too aggressively on the box, which wasn’t necessary. We’re aware that every game before the World Cup is important, whether in the Nations League or qualifiers. The team believes in itself, the fans see that the players are giving everything”

Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah did not paint himself in glory with his performance as he struggled alongside Nico Schlotterbeck against Brian Brobbery. On why Tah was subbed off at halftime:

“He made 4-5 fouls in the first half. I was afraid he would get a second yellow card. We didn’t want to take any risks”

Soon after the Dutch had equalised, Germany had a corner at the other end where Simons came in late on Jamal Musiala and the ref did not blow for a penalty. On the not given penalty, Nagelsmann said:

“A clear penalty. Simons clearly came too late and hit Jamal on the foot. I don’t think we can disagree on that. If it were in midfield, you’re guaranteed to get a foul for that”

Right at the end of the game, Germany was on the counter and despite being in the final third, the referee blew the full-time whistle, on the decision, Nagelsmann commented:

“We had a great chance taken away in the last second when we were running towards the goal alone. I don’t quite understand it”

Germany return in October for the next round of Nations League games where they play away in Bosnia and Herzegovina before then facing the Netherlands once again in the return game in Munich.

GGFN | Jack Meenan