Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has criticised the World Cup scheduling format, saying his side are being “punished” for finishing top of Group E.
Nagelsmann spoke after Germany sealed first place in the group with a game to spare following a 2-1 comeback win over Ivory Coast in Toronto.
The Germans are due to face a third-placed team from Groups A, B, C, D or F in Boston on Monday, June 29, but their opponents will only be confirmed after the final round of group matches on Saturday night.
The arrangement, according to Nagelsmann, leaves his coaching crew with a very limited window to complete scouting and tactical preparations before the knockout game.
Nagelsmann said: “I don’t think it’s ideal that you’re somewhat punished for winning the group. I’m not a big fan of it.”
“Anyone can imagine that there are better setups than scrubbing through footage all Saturday night, only to present the opponent to the team on Sunday.”
He said Germany’s analysis team had already started working through likely opponents in a bid to reduce the pressure created by the short turnaround.
Nagelsmann explained that members of his technical crew had split up the possible teams and started reviewing their recent matches in advance.
He said: “We have divided up the opponents that are most likely. I’ve watched a bit, our analysis team has watched some.”
“We have all already watched three or four games of the potential opponents. We can work through the night once in a while, it’s not that bad.”
Germany’s complaint comes despite their strong start to the tournament, with Nagelsmann making it clear that his concern lies with the scheduling structure rather than his team’s form.
