Bierhoff: 'Very brave' German squad selection 'has paid off'

Former national team director Oliver Bierhoff has praised Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann as "very brave" over his squad selection for the recent friendlies against France and the Netherlands.

"But it has paid off," Bierhoff said after Nagelsmann's team won both matches in an impressive turnaround from modest results and performances in the past.

Debutant left back Maximilian Mittelstädt was a starter in both games and scored against the Dutch. His VfB Stuttgart team-mates Waldemar Anton and Deniz Undav also earned maiden caps off the bench, while their was no place in the squad for the likes of Mats Hummels and Leon Goretzka.

"On the one hand, the players are inexperienced, but on the other hand, there's always a risk when you're playing at a really fast and high international level. We've often noticed that. That even players who were quite good in the Bundesliga still have to get used to this pace," Bierhoff said.

"But I didn't see any signs of that against two big teams like France and the Netherlands. That's positive. Especially when they are embedded in a functioning team with players who have the experience."

Bierhoff said that the victories have created a positive mood again among fans, which could boost the team at Euro 2024 which hosts Germany open on June 14 against Scotland.

"You could see how quickly the mood can turn, how quickly the enthusiasm is there. The fans want to be able to think positively," Bierhoff said.

"It's mutual. But the basis is now well established. I can only hope that we get off to as good a start as we have at many other good tournaments. Namely, that you get a clear win in the first game."