Julian Nagelsmann will guide the national squad into their concluding qualification game for the global tournament in 2026 in Albania this Sunday.
The national squad has already earned their place in the competition taking place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer, allowing Nagelsmann to concentrate fully on the competition finals.
However, with just 90 minutes left in the team’s Group K journey, Nagelsmann is keen to finish the qualifying stage with a spotless record and no goals conceded.
Nagelsmann expects composure from his team in their last qualifying match
The national squad’s manager has cautioned his players against imitating Portugal’s team leader, Cristiano Ronaldo, who might be absent at the commencement of the global tournament should his squad secure qualification.
Ronaldo was dismissed from the match against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Thursday, and it’s anticipated that his suspension will extend into the finals taking place across the Atlantic next summer.
“No red cards, if possible,” Nagelsmann communicated to the press in Albania before the team’s concluding qualifying match. “It is paramount. It’s something I’m mindful of, and we’ll address it.”
Nagelsmann was questioned by a reporter on whether he’d prefer a defeat over a player being ejected, a scenario he dismissed as an ‘extreme instance’ while clearly expressing his preference.
“If avoidable, then no red card, certainly,” stated the national squad’s manager. “I’m not keen on making this a significant topic by discussing it at length, as it might cast a shadow.
“Ordinarily, we’re not particularly vulnerable to such incidents, but should anyone face a decision, they should refrain from it.”
The most recent incident involving a national squad member being ejected was Luke Shaw, who received two yellow cards during a European Championship qualifying match against Italy, held at Stadio Diego Maradona in Naples in March 2023.
The national squad has progressed effortlessly through the qualifying stages thus far, securing their place with two matches to spare, thus alleviating any stress during the November international matches.
They achieved their seventh victory by defeating Serbia at Wembley on Thursday, owing to goals from Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze.
Group K, comprising Albania, Latvia, and Andorra, has presented little challenge for Nagelsmann’s national squad, in spite of some inconsistent performances during the initial couple of match periods.
A powerful 5-0 triumph in Belgrade in September saw the national squad elevate their performance, and they have generally maintained this level throughout the following matches.
Nagelsmann, who is positioned at number 26 in FourFourTwo‘s current compilation of the foremost managers globally, has overseen seven triumphant global tournament qualifying matches out of seven, registering 20 goals while conceding none.
Albania is set to participate in a play-off round to sustain their aspirations for the global tournament, having secured the second position in their group following a victory over Andorra on Thursday.
