By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- Julian Nagelsmann might have remembered the dark days ten months ago while his newly formed side took the UEFA Nations League group lead following a 2-2 draw away to the Netherlands on Tuesday.
The 3-2 home loss to Türkiye was a significant setback followed by the 2-0 defeat in Austria. At that time, the 2014 world champion seemed to have hit rock bottom, and the German coach seemed overburdened with unsolvable issues.
Roughly one year later, the German team has improved and claims to be back among the world's leading teams.
Resilience, determination, passion - Nagelsmann used all possible phrases to praise Germany's "determination to win the game."
"We have made a significant step in development," 37-year-old Nagelsmann said. "We see a team acting with confidence and will to turn things in their favor."
Eight wins, four draws and three defeats might reflect Germany's efforts to regain international strength in his 15 games in charge.
Nagelsmann called it a pleasure to coach a well-working group, with players pushing each other.
The German coach has renewed his attitude, saying that "we have 18 games to go if things work" until the 2026 FIFA World Cup title.
"We saw what we wanted to see," he said, mentioning that the team has preserved the enthusiasm at the UEFA Euro 2024 and transferred it to a new chapter.
Nagelsmann underscored the importance of self-determination as every team needs a goal and "we are heading in the right direction."
Relying on a strong attacking line, mostly carried by youngsters such as Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, along with experienced Kai Havertz, the German defense needs to catch up "as we have to improve getting attack and defending in a more promising balance."
Having triggered a wave of euphoria among German fans during the Euro 2024, Nagelsmann was convinced that "we managed to take all the good vibes to now and the upcoming campaign."
Nagelsmann called a satisfying UEFA Nations League campaign a key to further success at the 2026 World Cup, as Germany will encounter Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Netherlands in October.
As for the 2026 World Cup, Nagelsmann said, "We need the support of all clubs. The World Cup is not only an issue of national interest, but also the progress of our national team." ■