Northern Ireland v Germany: Julian Nagelsmann did not mean ‘any disrespect’ to NI

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said Northern Ireland had a “special style of play” and that his comments following his team’s 3-1 win in Cologne last month were not intended as an insult.

The four-time World Cup champions will once again line up alongside Michael O’Neill in Monday evening’s World Cup qualifiers at Windsor Park.

After the September meeting, Nagelsmann described Northern Ireland as “not very bright to watch” and that they “played too long a ball”.

Speaking about BBC NI’s coverage of the match in Germany, former Northern Ireland defender Stephen Craigan felt the statement was “a bit disrespectful” towards his former team.

Last week O’Neill said it was not his job to set up the team for the benefit of rival managers.

On Sunday Nagelsmann said his description of Northern Ireland’s style was made with “great respect”.

“I said it might not be pretty to watch, but the more important point, the main point I was talking about, is that they do it really well. They play the long ball with an idea,” he added.

“There is a special mood in the team and I said that it is very difficult to beat this team, they do not concede many goals and they create a lot of chances with set pieces.

“I’m sorry if anyone thought it was disrespectful. I didn’t mean it as disrespect, I had great respect for the team and their style of play.”