DFB coach Julian Nagelsmann and captain Joshua Kimmich are not happy with the way Italian referee Davide Massa handled the game.
11.09.2024, 07:38
11.09.2024, 13:39
dpa
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann and captain Joshua Kimmich had a word with Italian referee Davide Massa after the 2-2 draw against the Netherlands. "We had a top chance whistled away in the last second. He didn't referee well on either side. I also think it was a clear penalty to Jamal," Nagelsmann complained to TV station RTL. Kimmich thought the referee was a little "too sensitive".
Massa had blown the whistle in the middle of a promising attack by the German team, after a tackle by Xavi Simons against Musiala in the penalty area had already failed to result in a penalty (55'). "He's clearly too late and hits Jamal on the foot. It's definitely a foul in midfield," emphasized Nagelsmann. Musiala on the scene: "I don't want to talk too much about the referee now. It felt like there were a few situations where he wasn't on our side."
New rules lead to a flood of cards
Massa had shown a total of four yellow cards against the German team during the match. "In general, I'm not a big fan of this new system where only one player is allowed to talk to the referee. Sometimes you react with emotions. It has nothing to do with the referee, but you get angry about a situation. I often find that the referees take it in such a way that they always mean it and you quickly get yellow cards," said Kimmich. Especially in the Nations League, you're banned after two yellow cards. "Then that can really, really hurt."
He would like "the referees to be less sensitive", added Kimmich: "Even if it's about having to keep our emotions under control. But it's not always something personal against the referee."
«I often get upset, it usually doesn't help. I do it anyway. Even my complaints have never led to a different decision.»
DFB coach
