OneFootball
·15 November 2025
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·15 November 2025
Only six scorers in 15 competitive matches, not even in a top-5 league, and yet Leroy Sané was invited back to the German national team. A decision that has met with much misunderstanding. National coach Julian Nagelsmann defended the winger against all criticism, thereby placing a lot of pressure on the comeback player.
"Leroy knows what is required and he also knows that there aren't countless opportunities left to prove himself at the national team level, at least under my leadership," Nagelsmann publicly communicated a message agreed upon with Sané on Monday.

"That's exactly what I basically wouldn't have advised him to say," criticized Matthias Sammer, the national coach, a day later on 'Sky'. "My experiences are that individualists need love, need so much love that it bursts," the former German international with 51 caps shared, reflecting on his romantic beliefs regarding Sané.
Nagelsmann countered that there had been plenty of friction in the spirit of love during their time together at Bayern Munich. But even that didn't silence the dissenting voices. Just before the kickoff of the crucial World Cup qualifying match against Luxembourg, record national player Lothar Matthäus added his thoughts on 'RTL' microphone, in the presence of the national coach. His form of communication with Sané would have taken place exclusively behind the scenes to "avoid additional pressure," the world champion complained.
📸 Alex Grimm - 2025 Getty Images
Proactively, Nagelsmann then wanted to "say another sentence about Leroy." In the end, he would assess whether Sané had used his chance, which he got directly in the starting eleven against the Grand Duchy.
The "cool guy" (Nagelsmann) should thank for the trust before the important match. After a weak first half by the German team, it was the Galatasaray star who initiated the decisive 1-0 with a strong run and a precise assist. The noticeable 29-year-old also played a part in the creation of the 2-0 final score.
"I'm glad I could repay the trust," the assist provider rejoiced after the final whistle on 'ZDF', confirming his good relationship with the national coach.
He promptly confirmed: "He played a good game, had two decisive actions, and that's what it comes down to in the end." Diamonds are formed under pressure. The praised player immediately took on that pressure again himself: "The World Cup is my big goal," Sané announced.
For that, Germany first needs the next performance boost in the upcoming qualifying showdown against Slovakia. The pressure will be high again after the 0-2 defeat in the first leg. If this test is also passed, Germany can plan for the World Cup.
For Sané, it will just be another milestone on his way to the plane to North America. "He is a player who can do everything, but also has to deliver everything. His performance has improved, but he still has steps to take," Nagelsmann warned him already on Monday. Against verbal criticism, he can defend his favorite, but in sports, even the powerful national coach may run out of arguments.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.
📸 Alexander Hassenstein - 2025 Getty Images
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