**Germany want to take their penultimate step towards winning their qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup on Friday evening (kick-off 20:45 CET), when they face Luxembourg away from home. Speaking to DFB.de the day before the match, coach Julian Nagelsmann and forward Nick Woltemade discussed the upcoming opponents and several key selection decisions.**
##### Julian Nagelsmann on...
**…the absences of Nico Schlotterbeck and Joshua Kimmich:** Other players now have the chance to prove themselves. Ridle Baku will replace Kimmich, he’s looked great in training so far and is a regular at RB Leipzig. We haven’t decided yet who’ll come in for Schlotterbeck, but we have good options in Malick Thiaw and Waldemar Anton. They’re slightly different types of player, but both can do the job well. Hopefully the pair will both back fit by Monday.
**…the captaincy question:** Jonathan Tah will wear the armband in place of Joshua Kimmich. We appointed a leadership group ahead of the Nations League, and Jonathan is the one from that group who’s playing, plus he deserves it based on his performances. He’s been a steady presence at Bayern this season and is having an outstanding campaign. He’s earned this opportunity. I’m not even sure if he knows yet, but now he does (laughs).
**…Nick Woltemade’s development:** He’s made real strides. Moving to another country with a different style of football is never easy, but he’s scored a few times, feels at home in the city, and overall the situation seems to suit both him and us really well. He’s a fantastic player – he’s gone from the U21 EURO final to being a regular starter with us in no time. He’s in demand right now because he’s been playing really well and has already scored for us too. He’s welcome to keep that going tomorrow and on Monday (laughs). I’m very pleased with him.
**…Said El Mala and Assan Ouedraogo:** Neither will start the game. We know from scouting what their strengths and weaknesses are, but for me it’s also important to watch how they train, how they behave within the team and the group. When Assan arrived, Said greeted him and showed him around – that’s the kind of thing I like to see. How players treat one another matters. Both of them have been training with real intensity and have made a good impression.
**…Kimmich, who has travelled despite his injury:** Of course, he’s a miss on the pitch, but he’s still very much involved. He has the ability to influence a game even from the bench. Hopefully he’ll be fit again for Monday, but even tomorrow he’ll still play an important role for us.
**…Leroy Sané:** When we named him in the squad, there weren’t many positive reactions. I spoke to Leroy to let him know that the onus is on him. I know what he’s capable of, but he needs to show the people who are critical of him that he’s a top player. The fact is, he doesn’t have endless opportunities left. But he can handle pressure.
**…tomorrow’s opponents, Luxembourg:** They sat very deep in the reverse fixture after the early red card. I’m expecting a more attacking approach from them tomorrow. I don’t think they’ll just park the bus, we’ll probably see more from them going forward. Still, the goal remains the same: I’ll be trying to win the game with my team.
##### Nick Woltemade on...
**…what the team are looking to do against Luxembourg:** We want to defend and attack as a unit – creativity will be key. We’ve got players who can create danger, who understand space and have good movement in behind. We’ve been solid defensively in recent matches. Tomorrow would be the perfect time to show some bravery in attack again and find the back of the net.
**…his leadership qualities:** I’m quite a calm player on the pitch. I try to focus on my own game. I haven’t been here that long – I’ve played every game, but I’m not the kind of guy who gives big motivational speeches. I prefer to motivate people one-on-one and make sure everyone feels good. I’m a pretty relaxed person and easy to get along with.
**…Leroy Sané:** He’s a great guy, always up for a laugh. He makes new players feel welcome. He’s been playing at the top level for years and has a really good character. On the pitch, he has incredible quality – there aren’t many left feet like his, and with his explosiveness he’s always a threat and can score goals.
**…what he’s learned since moving to the Premier League:** The biggest difference is the intensity and physicality – that took some getting used to. In the first few games I was getting cramp quite regularly. But now my game’s become more intense – I can sprint more, press more effectively, and contribute better defensively. It’s really improved my overall game.