Nagelsmann demands "more composure" after Ecuador loss

The German head coach felt his side lacked control and played off-the-cuff football rather than stick to the game plan.

Photo: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images.

After their final fixture of Group E ended in a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador in New Jersey tonight, Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann reacted to the result. 

“We have to learn that after a good start and an early lead, we can play with more composure instead of suddenly switching positions too much," Nagelsmann told ARD after full-time.

“There was too much freestyle. We just need to be more patient and stay a bit more structured in our positions,” the 38-year-old said regarding his side's performance. 

Nagelsmann was also critical of his players' control of the game and difficulty in possession: "We're giving the ball away too often, at some point it becomes difficult.”

Regardless of the defeat, Germany have still booked their place in the Round of 32. It seems highly likely that they will face one of either Paraguay or Australia as things stand.