""You're bound to be a bit nervous in the morning. That's part of it, but also what makes it exciting," Nagelsmann said. "If we were already through, we'd be totally relaxed. But there's something appealing about the fact we aren't. "We'd have preferred to win in Slovakia, but we didn't. This is the situation we're in now. We can accept it. "And that's where the excitement lies in a knockout game like this, especially in the early stages.""
""Germany have struggled with injuries, with Joshua Kimmich and Nico Schlotterbeck unable to feature against Luxembourg on Friday. However, Nagelsmann is hopeful the pair will be back in contention for Monday's match. "Nico Schlotterbeck will train normally, Joshua Kimmich still needs some rest," Nagelsmann said. "He is also out on the pitch, but we want to leave the structure undisturbed for as long as possible. We'll decide [on Monday] whether he can play.""
Germany and Slovakia are level on 12 points in Group A, with Germany leading on goal difference and the final qualifier effectively a winner-takes-all. Germany lost 2-0 in the first meeting but have since won four consecutive qualifiers. Slovakia have only lost away to Northern Ireland and could avoid a play-off by beating Germany. Nagelsmann expects the knockout-like pressure to elevate his squad and says nervousness is part of the excitement. Germany face injury doubts after Luxembourg; Nico Schlotterbeck is due to train normally and Joshua Kimmich still needs rest but may be available.
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