Nagelsmann: "Havertz wanted to play at left-back"

Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann spoke to reporters and explained why Kai Havertz, who usually plays as a midfielder and playmaker, played as a left-back in Germany's 3-2 defeat against Turkey.
1 week ago
A late Yusuf Sari penalty took Turkey to a 3-2 win over Germany in Berlin on Saturday, giving home manager Julian Nagelsmann plenty to ponder seven months from hosting Euro 2024.
Handed a start in the unfamiliar position of left-back, Arsenal forward Havertz repaid his coach's faith almost immediately, tapping in a Leroy Sane pass after just five minutes.
He gave Germany the lead after just five minutes but Turkey headed to half-time in front, after two late goals from Ferdi Kadioglu and Kenan Yildiz.
Fans and press alike wondered why coach Nagelsmann had opted to use Havertz as a left-back. "I don't see this as a risk for him, but as a very, very big opportunity to play a key role at the Euros," he told 'SkyDE'.
"Kai said he wanted to do it, wanted to try it — for a first time in an unfamiliar position, he did extremely well," he added.
Handed a start in the unfamiliar position of left-back, Arsenal forward Havertz repaid his coach's faith almost immediately, tapping in a Leroy Sane pass after just five minutes.
He gave Germany the lead after just five minutes but Turkey headed to half-time in front, after two late goals from Ferdi Kadioglu and Kenan Yildiz.
Fans and press alike wondered why coach Nagelsmann had opted to use Havertz as a left-back. "I don't see this as a risk for him, but as a very, very big opportunity to play a key role at the Euros," he told 'SkyDE'.
"Kai said he wanted to do it, wanted to try it — for a first time in an unfamiliar position, he did extremely well," he added.
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