A divided German camp? Undav, Kimmich contradict coach Nagelsmann after the loss in Ecuador

Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann insisted his players did not lack desire despite their 2-1 defeat to Ecuador, but captain Joshua Kimmich and forward Deniz Undav belied that view after the final Group E match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Having already secured top spot in the group with wins over Curacao and Ivory Coast, Germany entered the competition with qualification for the round of 32 already assured.

New Jersey got off to the perfect start as Leroy Sane scored after just 109 seconds, but Nilson Angulo restored parity within seven minutes before Gonzalo Plata scored the winner after the break. send Ecuador as one of the best teams in third place in the tournament.

Since lifting the trophy in Brazil in 2014, Germany have suffered as many defeats as wins, four wins and four losses in their last three World Cup campaigns.

The result also revealed contrasting views within the German camp. While Nagelsmann insisted it was a tactical matter, both Undav and Kimmich believed Ecuador simply showed more hunger on the day.

Undav, who scored twice in Germany’s comeback win over Ivory Coast earlier in the tournament pointed to Ecuador’s intensity as the deciding factor.

“I felt they wanted it more than us,” Undav told Magenta TV.

“Ecuador was more aggressive, more tenacious. We have to learn from this that we also have to give everything. They gave 100% in every event, they joined every challenge.”

Captain Kimmich shared the same sentiment, saying that Germany were second best as their opponents showed more determination throughout the match.

“The difference today was that the opponent wanted to win more than us. That’s why they won today. Really deserved it,” said Kimmich.

However, Nagelsmann rejected this reasoning when it was put to him after the match.

“No, please stop this nonsense, honestly,” said the German coach.

Instead, he accused Germany of taking a tactical approach after taking an early lead.

“The start was great, unfortunately right after the goal we started committing tactical suicide with our positioning.

“Ecuador had everything to play for and you could tell. They had their foot on the gas. But I also can’t say that any of my players didn’t give it their all. That’s too simplistic.”

Contrasting remarks from the German manager and two senior players ensured the defeat raised more questions than the result itself. While Nagelsmann was adamant that tactical errors cost his side, Undav and Kimmich felt Ecuador’s greater desire proved decisive.

Germany will now focus on the round of 32, where they will face one of the top eight third-placed teams in the tournament on Monday at Boston Stadium.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

June 26, 2026 1:19 PM IST