Julian Nagelsmann anticipating stiff test from Northern Ireland

"I expect a tough opponent tomorrow. It wasn't easy to beat them in the first leg. They play a lot of long balls, so you have to fight for the second ball, the third and fourth ball. They did well against Slovakia. It won't be easy. We have to perform very well to win,"

"Northern Ireland are very compact in the middle. They play a lot of long balls. They also used counter-pressing moves with a lot of players against Slovakia. They're doing that well. We'll try to impose our style of play. That will be important tomorrow."

"The whole group has to ensure ( the team doesn't come out flat). If we do it right, we'll have enough emotions to be well prepared. Emotions come from the stands. But we as a team can also ensure that on the pitch."

"This Bayern block is important. But so is the Dortmund block. For us, all teams that have many German players in their starting lineup are important. Bayern are doing very well and have good confidence at the moment,"

Germany must be prepared for a physically demanding match against Northern Ireland, who favor long balls and force contests for second, third and fourth balls. Northern Ireland remain compact in midfield and used coordinated counter-pressing with many players in their win over Slovakia. The German side must impose its own style while ensuring the team does not start flat, generating necessary emotions both from the stands and through on-field actions. One position in the lineup remains under consideration, though minimal changes are expected. Selections favor players from clubs with many German starters, with Bayern currently showing strong form and confidence.

Read at Bavarian Football Works