Germany loses 2-0 against Slovakia: Kimmich criticizes his team’s attitude.

Joshua Kimmich reacts to Germany’s defeat to Slovakia During an interview with ARD (go @iMiaSanMia) after Germany’s 2-0 defeat against Slovakia, national team captain Joshua Kimmich gave his reaction.

In the first World Cup qualifying match, Kimmich played as a midfielder, having previously played as a right-back. In his place, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nnamdi Collins played at right-back, but was replaced at half-time by David Raum, who pushed VfB Stuttgart’s Maximilian Mittelstädt onto the right flank.

A challenge for the German team

Regarding the team’s performance, Kimmich said:

«Today we never showed courage and attitude. From the first minute, they had a corner kick and an opportunity. It’s not a question of system, tactics, three or four defense. It’s a question of attitude. We have to do better in the next match. We have to support each other and make things easier for each other. We know we played a bad match, each one individually, blaming each other won’t get us anywhere. We know that today it wasn’t enough. Before the match we talked about winning the World Cup. Cup, but first we have to qualify. We will play like we did today, it won’t be easy.»

It was Germany’s third consecutive defeat, following Nations League defeats this summer to eventual winners Portugal and France in the third-place play-off.

An expected reaction against Northern Ireland

Germany’s next qualifying match is scheduled for Sunday against Northern Ireland in Cologne; their opponents won their first qualifying match against Luxembourg and currently occupy first place in the group. On how Germany will approach the match, Kimmich said:

«We are all aware that today went very badly. We have two days now, everyone should look at themselves and think. I am convinced that we will show a completely different reaction and attitude in the next match. »

With less than nine months to go until the World Cup, this result will be a wake-up call for Germany. Having failed in the last two World Cups, with group stage eliminations in 2018 and 2022, the pressure is already on to perform at their best next summer, especially for a country like Germany who have won the competition four times.

Conlusion

Germany’s upcoming qualifier against Northern Ireland in Cologne now carries far greater weight than initially expected. After a disappointing performance, the squad finds itself at a crossroads, where response and mentality will define the narrative moving forward. As Joshua Kimmich emphasized, self-reflection and accountability are essential in the days following such a setback. His words suggest not only frustration, but also belief that the team has the character to react with renewed intensity and focus.

With Northern Ireland sitting top of the group after defeating Luxembourg, the challenge is clear. Germany cannot afford another passive display. The match will demand urgency, sharper execution, and a collective commitment to raising performance levels. Playing in Cologne offers the advantage of home support, but that alone will not be enough. Tactical discipline, improved defensive concentration, and greater efficiency in front of goal must accompany the promised change in attitude.

The broader context makes this fixture even more significant. With less than nine months remaining until the World Cup, time for experimentation is running out. Consecutive group-stage eliminations in 2018 and 2022 have already placed the national team under intense scrutiny. For a nation with four World Cup titles and a legacy built on consistency and resilience, expectations remain exceptionally high.

This recent result may ultimately serve as a necessary wake-up call. If Germany channels the disappointment into determination, the setback could become a turning point rather than a warning sign. The response against Northern Ireland will not only influence the qualification campaign, but also signal whether this squad is ready to restore confidence ahead of the global stage next summer.