Nagelsmann determined for Germany not to ´underestimate´ Luxembourg

Julian Nagelsmann says Germany are in “no position to underestimate” Luxembourg ahead of their meeting in World Cup qualifying.

Germany are currently third in Group A, having opened their qualifying campaign with a shock 2-0 defeat to Slovakia before following it up with a 3-1 win over Northern Ireland.

As such, a double header against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland could be key to ensuring Germany get qualification for the World Cup in their grasp.

Germany have only ever lost once to Luxembourg, all the way back in March 1939, but they have won their other 11 meetings, the most recent of which came in May 2006.

Despite their past dominance in the fixture and the 84 places separating them in the world rankings, Nagelsmann has urged his side not to get complacent on Friday.

“I don’t think we’re in a position to underestimate an opponent,” Nagelsmann said.

“Luxembourg are doing well. They can play freely and have shown in recent games that they can adapt their game.

“So, I expect a good opponent. I have never gone into a team meeting and said: We have to win the game by a large margin. That is rarely conducive to motivation and shows little respect for the opponent.”

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Should Germany make it to the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, there is talk that former player Thomas Muller could join the coaching set-up for the tournament.

Muller retired from international football last year following Germany’s Euro 2024 exit, and earlier this year, left Bayern Munich to join MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps.

Despite speculation over a potential coaching job, Nagelsmann believes it is unlikely Muller will be among his team next summer.

“Thomas is definitely a candidate who could hold such an office, [but] he still has a contract until winter 2026,” Nagelsmann said. “As far as I know, they [Vancouver] will start training again around June 26, 2026.

“I don’t think the [Vancouver] coach is so enthusiastic when Thomas says I’ll come two or three weeks later, because I still want to be an assistant coach.

“I’ve spoken to him a few times, he thinks it’s very good in Vancouver right now. He’s playing well, scoring a lot of goals. He is advancing football there and will want to do so beyond the World Cup.

“That’s why I’m going to go out on a limb that he won’t take on an office as assistant coach for me or any other coach this summer.”