Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has moved to clarify his previous remarks about Northern Ireland, saying his comments after last month’s 3-1 win in Cologne were “intended with respect” and not meant to offend.
The two nations face each other again on Monday night at Windsor Park in a crucial World Cup qualifier, with both sides sitting on six points from three games in Group A — Germany ahead only on goal difference.
Following their September clash, Nagelsmann had described Northern Ireland as “not brilliant to watch” and noted that they “played a lot of long balls.”
The remarks drew criticism, with former Northern Ireland defender Stephen Craigancalling them “a bit disrespectful.”
Responding ahead of the rematch, Nagelsmann said his words were taken out of context and that he holds great respect for Michael O’Neill’s side.
“I said it may not be beautiful to watch, but the key point I made is that they do it really well,” Nagelsmann explained.
“They play long balls with a plan, they have great spirit, and it’s very difficult to beat them. They don’t concede many goals and create real danger from set-pieces.If anyone felt it was disrespectful, I apologise — it was never meant that way.”
Northern Ireland go into the match buoyed by a 2-0 victory over Slovakia, while Germany eased past Luxembourg in their most recent outing.
Nagelsmann warned his team to expect another challenging evening in Belfast, where Northern Ireland are unbeaten in seven home games.
“It won’t be easy at Windsor Park,” he said.
“They have a unique style and fight for every ball.In the first leg, it was tough to beat them — they’re strong in the air, disciplined defensively, and they compete for every second and third ball.We saw against Slovakia how much pressure they can create in the final third.”
Germany will look to maintain top spot in the group, but Nagelsmann made clear his side must match Northern Ireland’s intensity if they are to leave Belfast with another win.
