Germany’s early exit from the World Cup for the third consecutive time leaves many in disbelief. Philipp Lahm expressed his need for time to process this setback, emphasizing the importance of continuity, which has been absent in the national team for a decade. The lack of a clear playing style and frequent experimentation have hindered the team’s development.
The success of German football has historically relied on well-defined player roles, an established hierarchy, and a cohesive strategy for both offense and defense. However, Lahm noted that this conviction was glaringly absent during the recent tournament, as the team resembled a collection of individuals rather than a cohesive unit.
On the pitch, the lack of control was evident. The team struggled with building play confidently from the back, maintaining possession in the opponent’s half, and defending effectively. Lahm pointed out that while other nations exhibited such organization, Germany failed to do so.
Germany was once celebrated as a Turniermannschaft, a team that found its rhythm as tournaments progressed. Unfortunately, this time around, progress seemed to decline from match to match. Promising strategies were discarded, like the decision to use Deniz Undav as an impactful substitute, which was abandoned against Paraguay.
Reflecting on tactical decisions, Lahm suggested a more consistent approach. He urged that Joshua Kimmich, who plays in midfield for Bayern Munich, should have played in that position for the national team. Furthermore, he advocated for Florian Wirtz to take a central role behind Kai Havertz, where he excels. Consistency in these selections would have been beneficial, both in matches and training.
Nagelsmann’s tendency to frequently alter formations was another point of contention for Lahm. He contrasted this with successful teams like Spain and France, which maintain a consistent style. “You shouldn’t make things in football more complicated than they are,” he asserted, stressing that variations should only occur once the team achieves order.
Lahm also expressed confusion over Nagelsmann’s tactical changes, particularly in the inconsequential final group match against Ecuador. He emphasized that every alteration communicates a message to the team, which must be clear and purposeful.
Despite the disappointment, Lahm found some hope in the players’ unity in the face of adversity. Rather than placing blame on one another, they supported their teammates. Antonio Rüdiger praised Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck, while Kai Havertz expressed admiration for Undav, and Kimmich defended both Leroy Sané and Nagelsmann. This solidarity is a foundation for future growth.
Lahm defended the players against accusations of lacking the right attitude. He recalled the disastrous performance in Russia in 2018 but insisted that the current team has shown commitment. After the 2022 elimination, Kimmich expressed his fear of a deep slump, signaling the emotional toll of these failures.
Today’s generation of players, molded by youth academies, views football as a profession from a young age, navigating the dynamic changes in salaries and individualism. This evolution requires strong leadership to guide them through challenges.
Lahm emphasized the importance of giving the next generation a fair chance, critiquing the tendency of coaches to rely on the 2014 World Cup winners. While such decisions may offer temporary stability, they often convey a lack of confidence in the current squad’s abilities. He admired how nations like Argentina and France successfully integrate established players while fostering a sense of order.
Over the past three World Cups, the coaching staff – including Joachim Löw, Hansi Flick, and Nagelsmann – has faced repeated failures. Lahm does not attribute the issues to the players themselves; many are key figures in top European clubs. He cited Rüdiger’s tenure at Real Madrid, Wirtz’s significant contributions to Bayer Leverkusen, Havertz’s Champions League success, and Musiala’s rising potential as evidence of the team’s talent.
As the World Cup is the pinnacle of sports, a national team should reflect its country, creating a bond with its supporters. Lahm lamented that constant disruptions to the team’s development hinder the fans’ ability to connect, leading to disappointment among the supporters.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Lahm recalled the camaraderie he shared with teammates from 2006 to 2014, forged through shared success. He expressed concern that the current players may not experience the same lasting memories. Discussions about Nagelsmann’s future and potential successors should not overshadow the need for a clear vision for German football’s identity.
“Are we Spain? Are we Argentina? Are we France? No, we are Germany,”
he declared, urging a reconnection with the nation’s unique football culture and philosophy.
It is essential to approach this with conviction.
Philipp Lahm’s column was produced in partnership with Oliver Fritsch at the German online magazine Die Zeit.
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