Schlotterbeck had become a central figure in Nagelsmann’s back line alongside Jonathan Tah. His ability to play out from defence and provide balance on the left side gave Germany an important tactical option in their first two group games. While Deniz Undav’s two goals sealed a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast, celebrations were overshadowed by the loss of one of the team’s most reliable performers.
Nagelsmann has said via the DFB website: “We will miss Schlotti a great deal on the pitch as an outstanding defender, especially his excellent playmaking. This could have been his World Cup. We all tried to cheer him up yesterday – luckily, he’s a very positive guy who’s already looking ahead. It’s a good sign that he’s staying with the team for now, because he also has an influence off the pitch. Despite his absence, we are still very well positioned in central defense for the World Cup with Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rüdiger, Waldemar Anton, and Malick Thiaw.”
