Nagelsmann Refutes Reports of Extensive Rotation Against Ecuador

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann is set to make some changes to his starting lineup for Thursday's final World Cup group stage match against Ecuador, but striker Deniz Undav will once again remain on the bench. The Stuttgart forward has netted three goals so far, including both in the 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast, which secured Germany's spot in the knockout phase as Group E winners. This has sparked debate over whether Undav deserves a starting role.

"I understand the argument that Deniz has earned his place in the starting XI. However, we also have a plan behind our decisions," Nagelsmann stated at a pre-match press conference. "That's why tomorrow we will make the necessary changes, because Nene (Nathaniel Brown) is injured, and Schlotty (Nico Schlotterbeck) unfortunately sustained a serious injury," he clarified.

"Otherwise, we would have approached the game in the same way as the last few matches," he emphasized. Recovered players Antonio Rüdiger and David Raum will return to the starting lineup. There had also been speculation about whether Oliver Baumann would make his World Cup debut, but Nagelsmann opted to keep Manuel Neuer in goal.

"The decision-making process is similar to that for outfield players. It's all about rhythm," Nagelsmann explained. "Manu has played two matches now, and neither of them was particularly challenging. There weren't situations where the goalkeeper could truly make saves and get into a rhythm," the coach believes.

Baumann played in the qualifiers but was relegated to a reserve role after Neuer returned to international football following a two-year absence.

Nagelsmann admitted that "from a human perspective," he could understand the arguments that Baumann deserved to play in the World Cup. "You have to look at the bigger picture. It's not always easy to make these decisions, but they have to be made," the coach said.

The Germany coach expressed his dissatisfaction that Germany would only learn their Round of 16 opponent on Saturday, leaving them with less than 48 hours to prepare for the match. "I think as group winners, we are at a bit of a disadvantage. We've split the potential opponents. I've watched three or four matches, as has the analysis team. Everyone can imagine there are better ways to spend a Saturday evening than dealing with this. It will be an all-nighter; we want to prepare a large part of it so we don't have to rush the match plan on Sunday. We'll manage, almost everyone on the coaching staff is still young, so we can work through the night if necessary."