Overview

• Kroos said Germany are far from being able to talk about a world title and described current form as not good enough.
• He argued the team lacks two or three decisive leaders with the aura others can lean on, citing issues of belief and quality.
• He clarified his critique is not about effort, stressing the shortfall lies in cohesion and the missing extra edge.
• Germany opened UEFA qualifying with a 2-0 loss to Slovakia before a 3-1 win over Northern Ireland in a group that also includes Luxembourg.
• Kroos said the player pool is thin at the elite level, noting Germany do not have “50 internationals,” while coach Julian Nagelsmann has also questioned selections after the defeat.