"Next time, we call players with less quality, but who give everything on the pitch" - Julian Nagelsmann makes claim after Germany's loss to Slovakia

Germany national team manager Julian Nagelsmann slammed his players after their 2-0 loss to Slovakia in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Thursday, September 4. He pointed out that despite being the best players in the country, they did not show any passion on the pitch.

Speaking to the media after the game, Naglesmann urged his players to step up and meet their potential. He added that quality alone couldn't win matches and said (via iMiaSanMia):

"Apart from 2-3 injured players, these are the best quality players we have in Germany. Maybe, next time, we call players with less quality, but who give everything on the pitch. I trust my players, but being simply a better player than the opponent is not enough if you don't show willingness and desire. Why do you think a team like Wiesbaden almost drew 2-2 with FC Bayern? It's not because they have better quality, but because they showed emotionality and desire."

Midfielder Joshua Kimmich also spoke about the loss, saying that the players needed to show improvement when they take the pitch next. He added that Slovakia showed why determination was also needed to win matches and said:

"You can always talk about quality or system, but today it wasn't about that. It was about other factors, and that shouldn't happen to us. We saw today that even if the opponent supposedly has less quality than you, you can still lose if you don't bring the right attitude to the pitch."

Germany next face Northern Ireland in the qualifiers on Sunday, September 7, at the RheinEnergieStadion.

Germany legend slams players after Slovakia loss

Germany legend Rudi Völler criticized German players after the loss to Slovakia, saying they gave a lifeless performance. He admitted that there was improvement in the second half, but urged them to replicate their club outings for the national team. He said:

"It wasn't just disappointing, it was a lifeless performance. The second half was a bit better but still not good enough. The players have to go for duels and win them for the national team like they do for their clubs. These are the basics of football. Otherwise there will be a very rude and bitter awakening."

Germany failed to make it out of the group stage at the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, after winning the 2014 edition by beating Argentina in the final.