Germany’s head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, has addressed growing calls to drop Arsenal’s Kai Havertz for the Euro 2024 knockout stages, defending the forward’s crucial role in the team. As hosts Germany prepare to face Denmark for a quarter-final spot, Nagelsmann stands firm in his support for Havertz despite public criticism.
Havertz’s Performance Under Scrutiny
Havertz, who had an impressive season with Premier League runners-up Arsenal, started strong in the Euros, scoring in Germany’s 5-1 victory over Scotland. However, he didn’t find the net in subsequent matches—a 2-0 win over Hungary and a 1-1 draw with Switzerland—leading to calls from some fans and pundits to replace him with Borussia Dortmund striker Niclas Fullkrug.
Fullkrug, notable for his recent Champions League final appearance, has been impactful off the bench, scoring twice, including a last-minute equalizer against Switzerland.
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Nagelsmann’s Defense of Havertz
Nagelsmann has publicly defended Havertz, highlighting his strategic importance beyond just scoring goals. “If you look at it from the outside, a demand for Fulle is understandable, even though Kai comes off much worse in the public assessment,” Nagelsmann told RTE. He emphasized that Havertz’s role often involves creating space for teammates, a task he performs exceptionally well.
“In the internal assessment, Kai is ranked much higher than in the public. For the striker, it’s not always just about scoring a goal,” Nagelsmann added, suggesting that Havertz’s contributions are more nuanced and vital to the team’s overall strategy.
The Decision Ahead
As Germany faces Denmark, who finished second in Group C behind England, Nagelsmann’s choice of starting striker remains under scrutiny. Fullkrug’s impressive performances off the bench make him a strong candidate, but Nagelsmann’s confidence in Havertz indicates the Arsenal star might still start.
Ex-Premier League striker Chris Sutton, speaking to BBC Sport, expressed his anticipation for the match, predicting a German victory despite Denmark’s strong defense and organized play.
Looking Forward
The clash with Denmark is set to be a defining moment for Germany in Euro 2024. With Nagelsmann’s tactical decisions in the spotlight, the match will test whether Havertz can silence his critics and prove his worth on the field.
