Matthaus talks about the German team: Nagelsmann must stop experimenting, playing 3-4-2-1 is suitable

October 9 Matthaus was interviewed by Bild and talked about the German national team.

The shadow of the German team's 0-2 loss to Slovakia has not yet dissipated. They will face Luxembourg and Northern Ireland next. Winning is a task that must be completed. This is not only related to qualifying, but also involves the recovery of world ranking points and the rebuilding of credibility.

German star Matthäus made a request for Nagelsmann. He said: "The experimental phase must finally be over, both in terms of tactics and personnel. The team needs to run in, and even the game against Luxembourg must be used for this purpose, because even against weaker opponents , and can also practice tactical coordination."

In the past two games, Nagelsmann once again experimented with the team, but it failed completely against Slovakia. The German team was in a 4-2-3-1 formation, and the players were given many new roles, and they were never able to enter the game state.

In the 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland, Nagelsmann chose a formation favored by Matthaus: the 3-4-2-1 system, which consists of three central defenders to provide defensive stability, and two wing-backs to provide defensive protection and forward pressure.

Matthaus said: "I would recommend a 3-4-2-1 system with two wing-backs, similar to the one that Leverkusen had success with under Xavi Alonso."

He explained why a system with traditional wingers should be avoided: "Being able to win Sane and Frisch, who serve as wingers, currently have few opportunities to play, while Gnabry has recently developed more into a central player, and he feels more comfortable in the central position. "

There is currently no controversy about the German team's goalkeeper position. In the absence of Ter Stegen, Bowman is the first choice. Although there are constant rumors about Neuer's return, this issue will not be put on the agenda until April or May 2026 at the earliest.

For the German team, solid defense in the middle is crucial. Matthaus said: "The current three-back combination can be composed of Jonathan Tower, Anton and Schlotterbeck."

"For the wing-backs, I prefer to use Laum on the left and Jamie Lewelling on the right. He has not only performed very well in recent national team games, but also in Stuttgart many times."

"There are a lot of possibilities in the midfield. I like the way Felix Nmecha plays, he has also shown his quality at Dortmund and has squeezed Gross out of the position. It is important that Kimmich can get used to a partner and get used to it. If Nmecha can continue the momentum he has developed in the past few weeks, then I believe he can take on this role in the World Cup as well. "

On the offensive end, Matthaus believes: "Wiltz and Gnabry, who is in good condition, serve as the offensive midfielder, and in front is Walter Mader, who hopes to recover from injury as soon as possible, as the forward. This guarantees goal threat and creativity. "

For the World Cup, Matthaus's top starting lineup no longer requires too many personnel changes: "On the defense line, Rudiger can replace Anton's position. On the offensive end, it is hoped that Musiala, who is at his best, can replace Gnabry, but the team's framework will be retained and can be run-in. "