Florian Wirtz and Nick Woltemade affected by transfer 'turmoil' as Germany legend defends Liverpool & Newcastle signings from criticism

Germany’s World Cup qualifying campaign kicked off with a disastrous display as Julian Nagelsmann's side couldn't handle a tactically sound Slovakian side, going down 2-0 last week. The disappointing performance drew significant backlash from fans and pundits alike, with many pointing fingers at individual players. The team did not inspire confidence in their fans at the start of the next game against Northern Ireland as they were booed off by fans at half-time as the teams went in level at 1-1.

While Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann's tactical changes were in for scrutiny, players like Wirtz were singled out for costly individual errors, though the new Liverpool signing scored a crucial free-kick goal and extended Germany's lead against Northern Ireland, making amends for his previous performance. Woltemade, who recently joined Newcastle, was similarly targeted for not meeting the high expectations. Matthaus, though, has defended the two as he believes their new transfer moves may have had a role in their performances.

In his column for Sky Sport, Germany legend Matthaus stepped in to defend the young players from the harsh criticism, saying: "It's a given in football that whistles sometimes target individual players. There's practically only top or bottom. But I'll defend Nick Woltemade and Florian Wirtz . The turmoil and the adjustment to a new environment, these things are affecting the players' minds. They still need time to adjust to the new situation. Wirtz wasn't present at all in the first half, but he scored the free kick to make it 3-1 in world-class fashion."

Matthaus further added: "The German team has quality when all its players show what they're capable of. It starts at the back and ends at the front. Antonio Rudiger wasted a ball before the corner that led to the 1-1 draw. That's not something you do as a defender. Experienced players have to find other solutions."

The German national team have been able to let off some steam with their 3-1 win against Northern Ireland but the campaign still has a long way to go. For now, they are three points behind leaders Slovakia.