Julian Nagelsmann would be a fine appointment at Manchester United. Christian Ziege just doesn’t think it would fix anything.
Speaking exclusively to BOYLE Sports, the former Liverpool and Middlesbrough player, who knows Nagelsmann a little, explained why the club’s problems run deeper than whoever is in the dugout, and why Michael Carrick shouldn’t carry the blame.
Ziege also gave his verdict on Newcastle United under Matthias Jaissle, why Pascal Gross should stay at Brighton, the German core driving Leeds United, and Christian Pulisic’s future at AC Milan.
Manchester United and Julian Nagelsmann
Christian Ziege on Manchester United and Julian Nagelsmann
Julian Nagelsmann Has Been Linked if Michael Carrick Goes – Is He the Perfect Candidate for Man Utd?
“I know Julian Nagelsmann a bit, and he’s a great coach with vast tactical knowledge and the ability to manage top clubs. But I don’t think the manager is the main problem.
“ Michael Carrick did a fantastic job when he took over at Man United last season. I think it’s great to have local coaches leading teams, especially with so many foreign managers in the Premier League.
“Carrick did well, but United are facing recurring issues that have persisted for years. The problem at Manchester United isn’t just down to the managers.
“Now they have problems again, which has been going on more or less over the last 15 years. So I think the point is not the coaches or the managers at Man United, it lies deeper in the club’s structure.
“Building a competitive team and creating a clear identity with Man United’s traditions has to be the focus. They’ve gone through numerous managers and tactical styles over the years with little long-term change.
“I don’t think their current struggles are Michael Carrick’s fault, the focus should be on the squad and the leadership rather than constantly changing coaches.”
Newcastle, Brighton and Leeds United
Ziege on Newcastle, Brighton and Leeds United
Malick Thiaw Believes Newcastle Will Improve Under Matthias Jaissle – Do You Agree?
“I’ve watched Malick Thiaw play since his time at AC Milan. He is a big talent who keeps improving, and he has all the qualities to become a top defender for Newcastle under Jaissle.
“I think he’s a big, big talent. If he keeps going and improving a lot of clubs will be looking at him, he could be a really strong defender for years to come and it’ll be hard for Newcastle to keep him, but it’s about continuing with that progress.”
Should Nick Woltemade Have Been Given More of a Chance After His Bright Start at St James’ Park?
“It’s a bit of a pity for Woltemade. Matthias Jaissle is a fantastic coach who proved himself in Austria and Germany. Woltemade is another example of a player who had one good season at Stuttgart before moving straight to Newcastle and it looks like it was too soon.
“Performing consistently for three seasons before a big move is very different from moving after just one. The Premier League is tough for strikers, and things didn’t quite work out for him there.
“Now he’s on loan at Juventus and Serie A can be even tougher for strikers. Perhaps he should have stayed to work under Jaissle at Newcastle, but if he returns from loan to work with him later, it could be a different story.
“Let’s hope that everything is going in the right direction for both Woltemade at Juventus and then maybe later for Newcastle.”
Is Pascal Gross Your PFA Player of the Year So Far, and Should He Stay at Brighton?
“ Pascal Gross is a great example of a player finding the right environment. He thrives at Brighton. He had a spell at Dortmund, but due to various tactical reasons, it didn’t work out as well for him there.
“Returning to Brighton under a manager like Fabian Hurzeler who understands his strengths has allowed him to perform unbelievably well again. It’s wonderful to see him playing with such confidence because I really like him as a player, Brighton is the place to stay.”
How Important Are Anton Stach and Lukas Nmecha to Leeds United, and Can They Help the Whites Into Europe?
“ Leeds have a strong German core at the moment, Anton Stach has been key and Lukas Nmecha has been important for Leeds, things are looking positive.
“They work so hard as a team which is down to Daniel Farke, Leeds is a special club, and playing against them was always tough back in my playing days.
“They had a fantastic team, it was always a nightmare to play them. So hopefully they can go back to the strength they had, the signs are positive.”
Christian Pulisic and AC Milan
Ziege on Christian Pulisic and AC Milan
Christian Pulisic committed his future to AC Milan at the end of October, signing a new contract that runs until 2031.
How Important Is Pulisic to AC Milan Becoming the Best in Italy and a European Force Again?
“Consistency is key for Christian Pulisic. Everyone knows his talent, but he needs to deliver at that high level every single game.
“ Milan have had their ups and downs since winning Serie A a few years ago with Ibrahimović, but they now have a good manager who is bringing back stability.
“I hope for Milan and for Pulisic that they can be as strong as they have been in the past. For him personally, he is performing in every single game. That’s the most important thing.”
Will We See Pulisic Play in MLS Before He Retires?
“That would be a fitting story for Christian Pulisic, returning to the United States to play the final years of his career in the MLS, especially as an American superstar. It makes a lot of sense.”
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Behind every great sporting moment is a story worth telling. The BOYLE Sports Editorial team sits down with the most relevant names in sport for candid conversations, genuine insight, and the kind of access that brings you closer to the real stories behind the headlines.
