2026 is not that far away…
One inalienable truth about the head coaching job for the German national team is that as boss, you must play Arsenal FC’s Kai Havertz (at least when he is available) no matter what his form is like on the club scene.
Knowing that — and also factoring in that Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz must also play — allows an observer to ascertain that there is only one position left within the attack that is up for grabs.
Given that Julian Nagelsmann has played Havertz at every position across the front line and that Wirtz and Musiala have functioned best in wide-forward roles, the boss can look to a few people to fill the void.
The flexibility of Havertz, Wirtz, and Musiala allows a mad scientist like Nagelsmann to get into the lab and concoct a mixture that should have a chance to make a deep run in the World Cup.
Will that fourth player be chronic underachievers Leroy Sané or Serge Gnabry? What about someone like oft-injured Niclas Füllkrug, who is tidy in front of the net? How about a fresh face like Karim Adeyemi, Deniz Undav, or Jamie Lewelling?
Or…maybe the answer is already in place — Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Tim Kleindienst.
Kleindienst is making a strong case for the job as he has become a consistent threat for Germany and seems to have a great read on how to play with the rest of the attackers and also with the midfield group. Equally dangerous in the air or on the ground, Kleindienst might not be the hero Germany fans deserve, but he really could be the hero that Germany fans need.
BFW Community…tell us how you are feeling at the moment — can an attacking foursome of Havertz, Wirtz, Musiala, and Kleindienst win the World Cup in 2026?
Looking for final thoughts and analysis of Germany’s UEFA Nations League quarterfinal tie vs. Italy? What about an update on where things stand as Bayern Munich ramps back up — and the latest news on Florian Wirta and his potential move to Bayern? Awesome, then we have you covered with the latest edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works Show, which is available on Patreon, Spotify, or below:
Be sure to stay tuned to Bavarian Podcast Works for all of your up to date coverage on Bayern Munich and Germany. Check us out on Patreon and follow us on Twitter @BavarianFBWorks, @BavarianPodcast @TheBarrelBlog, @BFWCyler, @bfwinnn, @IredahlMarcus, @2012nonexistent, @TommyAdams71 and more.
