Kroos: National team resignations offer restructuring opportunity

Toni Kroos has expressed hope that the German national team will remain successful after the retirement of several key players including himself , and urged fans to back it like at Euro 2024 . Kroos ended his career after the Euros where hosts Germany lost in the quarter - finals against eventual champions Spain , and captain Ilkay G ndogan , Thomas M ller and Manuel Neuer have retired from the national team . Coach Julian Nagelsmann must reshape his line - up starting with Nations League matches on September 7 against Hungary and three days later in the Netherlands . The squad gathers on Monday in Frankfurt . Kroos said at the Icon League indoor event in Cologne on Sunday that the exit of players " who have been around for years and shaped the team " also offers " a certain chance for a restructuring " of the team . " The national team coach now has to adjust a little bit , with all the resignations and those he sees to take these roles ," Kroos said . Nagelsmann has improved the team again after several poor tournaments , which also reconciled the fans . The team enjoyed huge support at the home Euros and Kroos urged fans to continue this backing . " I ask everyone for support of the national team . That the people and the country are behind it . It is much easier to play with the backing of the country instead of doubts ," he said . " I think we achieved what was lost before . That we have a team that can thrill ." Nagelsmann said after the Euro exit he will now be aiming for the 2026 World Cup title . That led to some raised eyebrows but 2014 World Cup winner Kroos voiced understanding . " Of course it is a bit early to say something like that two years in advance . But I understand what he wanted to achieve . He wanted to pass on the recent momentum and show that he is hungry ," Kroos said . dpa bue bag Source: The Namibia News Agency