Low impressed by fringe players but unlikely to rotate

Germany head coach Joachim Low praised his fringe players after a changed side delivered a 1-0 friendly win against the Czech Republic, but warned those involved not to expect a regular place for Die Mannschaft.

Gian-Luca Waldschmidt’s first-half goal proved enough to earn Germany only their second victory in six matches in 2020, and the assist came from PSV Eindhoven defender Philipp Max, who was making his debut.

Both Max and fellow debutant Ridle Baku gave strong showings, as did Florian Neuhaus in midfield and Robin Koch at centre-back, but Low indicated that his more established stars would return to the fold for Germany’s Nations League meetings with Ukraine and Spain.

“We won’t change a lot in those games,” Low told RTL.

“This line-up will probably no longer play together. Still, you have to say that the guys got involved and played an intense game.

“We had good actions in the first half. In the second half we failed to score but were able to defend the 1-0 lead, so we can be satisfied.”

Joachim #Löw: “The lads got stuck in well and it was an intense game. We played some good stuff in the first half. We didn’t manage to score any more goals after the break, but defended the 1-0, which we we can pleased about.”#DieMannschaft #GERCZE pic.twitter.com/vOZK28CIUd

— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) November 11, 2020

Max, a former Bayern Munich youth player who represented Schalke, Karlsruher and Augsburg before joining PSV, caused the Czech Republic problems all evening in Leipzig, not least when he instinctively pounced on a parried shot to tee up Waldschmidt’s goal.

He said: “I’m really proud to have made my international debut today. It is also a really special day for my family and friends.”

Germany did show signs of the defensive frailties that saw them concede seven goals in their previous three outings, but Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who captained Low’s men at Red Bull Arena, was quick to defend his international colleagues.

“Mistakes are common,” said Gundogan. “You have to forgive young players, especially those making their debuts.

“We can be satisfied with the win.”