National soccer team: Rettig before Paraguay game: “Knife on the neck”

Rettig alluded to the game against Slovakia in November, when the Germans were threatened with an unpleasant extra shift in the World Cup playoffs if they lost in World Cup qualifying. But national coach Julian Nagelsmann’s team coped with the pressure, won clearly 6-0 and secured their World Cup ticket.

According to Rettig, the recent 1-2 defeat against Ecuador was deserved. “There’s no need to sugarcoat anything,” he said. At the same time, he showed little understanding for criticism of Nagelsmann. “I have to smile that after the game some people were amazed at how Julian Nagelsmann defended his players. That’s what I expect from a coach,” confirmed the official.