Germany’s national team has come under fire for scheduling international friendlies in North America just days before returning to Bundesliga action. Both Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka and his Bayern Munich head coach Thomas Tuchel have criticized the decision, citing concerns about player burnout and the demanding schedule of professional football.
The upcoming international break will mark Julian Nagelsmann’s first games as the Germany men’s national team coach. While his appointment promises an upswing in form for the team, the scheduling of these friendlies has sparked controversy. Many argue that it puts unnecessary strain on the players and increases the risk of injuries and fatigue.
The first game against the US Men’s National Team will take place in Connecticut on Saturday at 9 pm European time. Nagelsmann’s Germany will then face Mexico in Philadelphia the following Wednesday at 2 am European time. This means that the players will have less than 48 hours to recover before returning to Bundesliga action.
This tight schedule has raised concerns, especially for players from Borussia Dortmund who are set to play Werder Bremen on Friday evening, just two days after Germany’s return home. Dortmund trio Mats Hummels, Niklas Sule, and Niclas Fullkrug have all been selected by Nagelsmann and are likely to be involved in the fixture. The quick turnaround between international and club matches puts these players at risk of burnout and injury.
The heaviest criticism has come from Bayern Munich, with head coach Thomas Tuchel questioning the wisdom of scheduling a trip to North America when Germany is preparing for a home European Championship next summer. Tuchel expressed his concerns about the demanding schedule and the toll it takes on players, especially when they have to travel long distances and adjust to different time zones.
The plans for these friendlies were first reported in January 2023, shortly after Germany’s disappointing group stage elimination from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The two games were confirmed in July 2023, despite Germany’s poor performance in recent matches. The dismissal of Hansi Flick as the national team manager further added to the negativity surrounding these upcoming games.
While Nagelsmann’s appointment marks the beginning of a new era for the German national team, the controversy surrounding these friendlies continues to overshadow the team’s progress. Goretzka, the Bayern Munich midfielder, echoed his coach’s concerns about the travel and the late kickoff time for the second game. He expressed his disappointment and frustration but acknowledged that as players, they have to perform and accept the schedule.
The decision to schedule international friendlies in North America just days before Bundesliga action has drawn criticism from players, coaches, and fans alike. The concerns about player burnout and the demanding schedule of professional football are valid and should be taken into consideration by football associations when planning international fixtures.
The German Football Association (DFB) has yet to comment on the controversy surrounding these friendlies. It remains to be seen whether any changes will be made to the scheduling in response to the backlash. However, it is clear that the issue of player welfare and the balance between international and club commitments needs to be addressed in order to protect the well-being of players and ensure the quality of football matches.