Nagelsmann’s Northern Ireland comments disrespectful – Craigan

“I’m hoping he receives a warm welcome when he arrives in Belfast,” he said.

Former defender Stephen Craigan was taken aback when Julian Nagelsmann’s post-match interview came to an end after Germany defeated Northern Ireland 3-1.

In the World Cup qualifier, Northern Ireland equaled the weights of Europe for the final 68 minutes when Isaac Price’s excellent corner-turning winner was cancelled out Serge Gnabry’s opening goal.

Germany, who had lost three straight games, came out on top with a superb free-kick from Florian Wirtz and substitute Nadiem Amiri, but it was hardly a vintage performance from the four-time World Cup winners.

What Nagelsmann’s remarks irked Craigan and the Köln-based BBC Sport punditry team, then?

I’m pleased with the outcome because it’s difficult to defend a lot of long balls and second balls, Nagelsmann said.

When each set piece and ball that is free on the pitch are played long balls, and when they attack with ten players each with a second ball, it’s not that easy.

In our own red zone, “There are always many players.” This style of soccer isn’t particularly effective or easy to defend, but it’s effective.

“We only conceded one goal, and I believe we had 10 or 12 set-pieces to defend.” The Northern Ireland team really excels in this area. Our soccer players have better players, but it’s not that simple to defend this approach.

Craigan felt that Nagelmann’s comments were “a little disrespectful” from the German coach when he reacted to them.

Craigan, who has 54 caps for Northern Ireland, was the co-commentator for the game and had repeatedly pointed out that Germany had been playing long balls as they tried to squeeze in behind wing backs Conor Bradley and Justin Devenny.

He objected to Nagelsmann’s remarks because it was a tactic that Germany had already employed right away.

“When he sits down and watches the game back,” and I’ve said it several times before about the number of long balls they played. Over the top balloons that look hopeful or diagonal.

They were more than comfortable with it because it suited our back three. They really did that, really. The number of times he put it out of play and the way their goalkeeper was thumping it forward was staggering.

I find it a little disrespectful to claim that Northern Ireland was the one who started that game.

Chris Brunt, a former NI international, joked, “I’m sure he’ll get a good reception” in Belfast’s Windsor Park the following month.

Brunt said, “I didn’t realize you had to play nice football and follow the other team’s instructions.”

“I believed we were here to play a game,” he said. That is a necessary component of who we are and what we have been.

Stuart Dallas, a former Northern Ireland international, and Leeds United’s player, thought they were pressure-monstrated coaches.

Germany won the game after falling three games in a row, including a shocking defeat on Thursday in Slovakia.

The home players were met with jeers at half-time as the sides leveled up with Northern Ireland more than held their own as the 50, 000 supporters in attendance may have anticipated a response, especially when Gnabry opened the scoring early on.

He appeared to be deflecting attention away from the performance of his own team, Dallas said.

That’s the worst German team I’ve seen in a while.

He might have a different opinion of it when he considers his comments and watches the game back, according to me.

Nagelsmann acknowledged that Belfast’s game on October 13 would be more challenging than Cologne.

Because it is not our home game, he continued, “It will be tougher than it is today.”

“I believe their supporters will be fantastic,” he said. The fans from Northern Ireland were also heard today.

“It was loud enough, and it will be louder in Belfast.” To succeed, we must use our best.

When a large nation visits Belfast, Windsor Park is a constant cauldron.