Bundesliga
"They brought more quality than us"
Following Germany's 2-0 defeat to Slovakia at the start of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying, here's what Julian Nagelsmann, Jonathan Tah, Joshua Kimmich and Oliver Baumann had to say.
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Jonathan Tah: "We had problems both with and without the ball. Overall, we had little control over the game. That's why we deserved to lose today. It was a very poor game from us today, and It's difficult to explain why.
"We have to work through that, and we have to be honest with ourselves. It was a huge surprise for all of us that the game went the way it did. That's not what we expected. We said from the start that Slovakia would be the toughest opponent, and that didn't surprise us. We have to take responsibility and do better on Sunday."
Joshua Kimmich: "We didn't show any courage or passion at any stage. We started poorly – they had their first chance after one minute. It's a matter of attitude; that's been our problem lately. We need to give each other things to help us do better on the pitch. We need to coach and support each other.
"We don't need to tear each other apart here. No-one did enough today. In three days, we have a chance to do better. We talked a lot about the World Cup beforehand, but we have to qualify first. If we perform like we did today, it won't happen."
Head coach Julian Nagelsmann: "Nnamdi Collins was the victim of a team that didn't do anything well in the first half. The first few minutes of the second half were a bit brighter, but the rest was very dark.
"They brought more quality to the pitch than we did. The last 10 years have shown that we can't approach games thinking we'll sweep everyone away. That wasn't good. It's like in the DFB Cup when a third-division team beats a Bundesliga team. Emotion is what counts.
"It should have dawned on everyone that we want to go to the World Cup and perform. Today we were simply miles off it. It's not about quality at all. We picked Germany's best players, but perhaps we need to focus less on quality and more on those who give their all. That probably would have led to a better result today.
"We have to approach every game like a Champions League semi-final. We don't have much chance to correct things - we have five games, and we have to win them all. Otherwise, we'll be in the play-offs in March. I have confidence in the team; this is my squad. But everyone has to realize that it's not enough to just keep the handbrake on. At any level!"