"Hansi Flick had just led the the team to a series of infamous defeat after infamous defeat and was sacked just months before the country hosted the 2024 European Championship. And this after Germany had been knocked out of the World Cup in the group stage. Again. Nagelsmann had a huge task on his hands. But he did well, coming in, immediately running things differently to Flick, giving Germany fans a measure of hope again and leading Germany to the quarterfinals of the tournament."
"But that goodwill is well and truly gone now, just about a year after the 2024 EUROs. It was clear to experience as fans tore into Germany during their loss to Slovakia, but anger at a loss is a natural reaction from fans. The true extent of the anger of the fans hit home during halftime of Germany's game with Northern Ireland, though. Locked at 1-1, having produced just two shots so far, Germany were subject to intense boos."
Germany faced intense pressure to respond after a shock 2-0 loss to Slovakia and needed a win against Northern Ireland. The team secured a difficult, unconvincing but ultimately comfortable victory. Fan forgiveness toward coach Julian Nagelsmann has evaporated despite earlier successes and contract extensions. Nagelsmann had previously revitalized the team, leading to a EURO 2024 quarterfinal and earning contract extensions to 2026 and 2028. During the Northern Ireland match, Germany produced few chances and were booed at halftime while level at 1-1, illustrating deep fan frustration. Nagelsmann now faces the task of rebuilding trust and repeating earlier recovery under greater scrutiny.
Read at Bavarian Football Works
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