Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann is already looking forward to their next Nations League game against the Netherlands after thrashing Hungary 5-0 on Saturday evening.
"I'm already looking forward to it. They also scored five goals. The Netherlands have a very, very good team and a lot of potential when it comes to substitute players. I'm excited," the coach said ahead of Tuesday's match.
While Germany started the Nations League with Jamal Musiala's gala evening - one goal and three assists -, the Dutch team defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 5-2.
Both nations recently clashed in March ahead of Euro 2024, but Nagelsmann recalled "it wasn't very easy, I have to say."
Life after the home tournament
The match against Hungary was the first one following the Euros on home soil and Nagelsmann wanted his players to bring in the same enthusiasm they brought for the home tournament.
At least against Hungary, his wish was granted. The coach repeated words such as "fun," "hard work" and "desire to win," during the interviews, and stressed that the "connection to the fans" was re-established right away.
"The atmosphere was amazing. I already have the feeling that the national anthem is being sung a bit louder again. I always sing loudly," forward Niclas Füllkrug said.
"Wusiala" magic is back
The duo of Bayern Munich midfielder Musiala and Bayer Leverkusen talent Florian Wirtz - nicknamed "Wusiala" by the fans - was again in the spotlight as Germany returned to the pitch.
Musiala had a stunning performance and one of his three assists was to serve Wirtz's goal, Germany's third of the evening.
"It's always fun to play around with Flo," Musiala said, while Nagelsmann praised: "The diligence they have is the decisive factor."
Nagelsmann also praised Bayern defensive midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic, who made his second game for Germany and scored his maiden goal.
"Pavlo had a very good game. He's a player with a lot of courage and good ideas. He embodies a lot of what I want to see from a number six," the coach said.
Nagelsmann: Wirtz and Musiala can win Ballond'Or one day
Musiala's stunning performance came on the same week as he was snubbed by the Ballon d'Or organizers and was not included in the 30-man shortlist for the prestigious award announced on Wednesday.
Wirtz, on the other hand, was among the players nominated after winning the Bundesliga and the German Cup with Leverkusen.
Nagelsmann, meanwhile, didn't seem very worried and is confident both players can win the award one day.
"If they (Musiala and Wirtz) stay like that, they'll both be nominated for the Ballon d'Or at some point. And then there's the potential for both of them to win it one day."
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