Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann intends to build his World Cup squad around a core of Bayern Munich players, following mixed qualification results that included a 2-0 loss to Slovakia and a 6-0 victory in the return leg.
The approach mirrors historical World Cup triumphs in 1974 and 2014, where Bayern talent played a central role.
>>> Montembeault Reflects on Tough Season, Mental Struggles, and Future with Canadiens
The designated core includes Jonathan Tah, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Jamal Musiala, Lennart Karl, and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who reversed his international retirement in May.
Risks in the Bayern Axis
However, reliance on Bayern players introduces notable risks.
Musiala enters the tournament searching for form, while Goretzka spent significant portions of the club season on the bench.
Kimmich will transition from his central midfield role at Bayern to play right-back for Germany.
The squad faces criticism over a perceived deficit in elite individual class.
Observers note that Kimmich lacks the defensive presence of former captains like Lothar Matthäus, Michael Ballack, or Philipp Lahm.
The team also lacks midfield strategists comparable to Toni Kroos or Mesut Özil.
Offensive responsibilities will fall on a versatile group including Florian Wirtz, Musiala, Kai Havertz, and Karl.
Nagelsmann is expected to deploy Havertz as a deep-lying centre-forward due to a lack of established strikers like Niclas Füllkrug and Nick Woltemade.
Internal criticism has emerged from prominent figures. Uli Hoeness, honorary president of Bayern Munich, stated: "Our national coach thinks he wins the match.
