Berlin, March 25 (NationPress) When Joshua Kimmich settled in at the German national team's headquarters in Herzogenaurach, he had already embraced the new directive set forth by Julian Nagelsmann. "The focus is on cultivating the best team spirit, not merely selecting the most talented players," stated the 31-year-old midfielder in anticipation of the upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and Ghana.

With only three months remaining until the 2026 World Cup, the German coach has recently acknowledged a pivotal change in his strategy, emphasizing the importance of fostering a robust team unity.

Kimmich echoed his coach's philosophy after Nagelsmann made waves by assembling a squad that aligns with his vision of cohesive team dynamics. This shift is influenced by the haunting memories of Germany's performance in the 2018 World Cup in Russia and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as reported by Xinhua. "We all remember the fate of a squad that was presumed to be world-class in 2018," remarked the Bayern leader, referring to the team's early exits and evident internal conflicts during both tournaments.

The midfielder underscored the significance of dedication and passion, stating, "Every player must commit fully to the team's success. I expect everyone to contribute wholeheartedly for the greater good."

Nagelsmann justified his change of heart by urging the players to set aside individual egos. He expressed his intention to select individuals who collaborate effectively and are willing to play supporting roles.

The coach stressed that his choices are based on interpersonal chemistry among players, declaring, "It's all about the atmosphere." He defended the inclusion of players like Bayern's Leon Goretzka, Leeds midfielder Anton Stach, Brentford's Kevin Schade, Newcastle's Nick Woltemade, and Brighton's Pascal Gross.

Nagelsmann referred to the 34-year-old Gross as someone who elevates the performance of those around him. "He has a unique ability to connect players and consistently prioritizes the team’s interests," he noted.

Despite limited playing time, Gross remains attuned to the team's morale and communicates openly with his teammates, as highlighted by the German coach. He also mentioned Antonio Rudiger, a controversial figure from Real Madrid, stating that "he treats the team as if it were his family."

Kimmich added, "A squad's quality alone does not guarantee championships; it is the spirit that propels a team to new heights. We might not have the most talented lineup at the World Cup, but we can compensate with our determination and camaraderie," said the Bayern player.

Nagelsmann described the German squad as strong, yet not the best in the world. He has announced plans to discuss individual roles with players and emphasize the overarching team concept.