Joshua Kimmich is set as right-back. Oliver Baumann remains number one in the box. And Bayern reserve player Leon Goretzka surprisingly has a regular place in the DFB squad: Julian Nagelsmann announced the first squad decisions in the “Kicker” interview.

…about his squad decision: “There will be decisions, I can already reveal that, that will probably not be met with great understanding. Not by the player, but not by the general public either. Because there may be a player who is not planned for us in the first eleven, but who is a regular player and top performer at his club.”

Nagelsmann goes on to explain who fits his profile: “There are players who can’t fulfill this role well for us. And as I emphasized before the European Championships, it’s not about good or bad character, it’s about who is made for which position.”

…about the role of Goretzka: “As of now, Leon Goretzka, despite having less playing time at Bayern, will have a good chance of playing and having a similar role to the one he had in the World Cup qualifiers. Because he is someone who also goes into the box, is strong in the air and has good power.”

… about the development of Karl: “Lennart had a super stable time. Now he’s struggling a bit – also because Jamal Musiala is fit again and often gets substitute time from him. That is completely clear. (…) I don’t want him to become a regular player so that he can take part in the World Cup. Because he won’t. But he has to get a certain rhythm; with young players it’s all about self-confidence. He can’t come to us and be the gray mouse, but he has to bring in that youthful freshness and cheekiness. Otherwise I can also take someone experienced who can reliably play his role.”

… about the development of El Mala: “Yes, I think he did well for us in November. But there is a difference again whether you are at Bayern or at Cologne. He simply has to get more playing time in Cologne. And this announcement is not aimed at Lukas Kwasniok (…). Said has to claim that he is a regular player in Cologne and always plays. But he plays 50 percent, that’s not enough. And that’s not the fault of the coach, which is what people often think, but it’s up to him, how stable he is in the game Defense works. If Lukas can rely on Said to always play at the same level, why shouldn’t he let him play? He’s one of the fastest players in the squad, has a great shot and is a goal threat. A coach doesn’t voluntarily give up on his top player, but he does so if he thinks that he may sometimes not give him what he needs for the game.