Julian Nagelsmann on Leon Goretzka’s performance against Italy: “He influenced the game in both ways”

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·21 March 2025

Julian Nagelsmann on Leon Goretzka’s performance against Italy: “He influenced the game in both ways”

Speaking after Germany’s 2-1 win against Italy in the first leg of the Nations League (via @iMiaSanMia), head coach Julian Nagelsmann commented on the performance of Leon Goretzka.

Last night in Milan, Germany came from 1-0 down in the first half to beat the hosts 2-1. Goretzka scored the second goal after a glancing header diverted a Joshua Kimmich corner past Gianluigi Donarumma. On the midfielder performances throughout the whole game, Nagelsmann commented:

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“I’m very happy for him. I thought he played a great game, especially in the second half, both defensively and with his presence in the box. He influenced the game in both ways. It was a top performance”

This was Goretzka’s first appearance for Germany since November 2023, for the whole of last year he was omitted from the squad and was not called up for EURO 2024. On top of this, Bayern Munich were trying to push the Bochum native out of club, but he resisted.

In recent weeks, Goretzka has played himself into becoming a piece of the Bayern midfield as they struggle for injuries and has been able to adapt to Vincent Kompany’s style of play. On the 30-year-old turning his situation around, Nagelsmann said:

“It’s generally advisable in life not to give up on everything just like that. We’re brought by this vibe of life to quickly do something new when the old one isn’t working. Leon has proven that it’s worth persisting, pushing through the valleys and staying out of the many discussions – I think that was his smartest move, not constantly speaking out and commenting on everything. Because unfortunately, that doesn’t make things any better.”

The second leg of Germany’s Nations Legaue quarter-final tie will be played in Dortmund on Sunday. Progression into the semi-finals will see Germany host the mini tournament in the summer with Stuttgart and Munich set to host the finals.

GGFN | Jack Meenan