Nagelsmann hints at surprise snubs as he casts doubt over Stach | OneFootball

Julian Nagelsmann hinted at surprise omissions from the World Cup squad in his extended interview with Kicker on all things related to the German national team. The 38-year-old was never shy of big decisions, and that seemed to continue with his role as Bundestrainer.

“In general, the biggest influencing factor for the national coach is to find the right fit in the squad selection,” Nagelsmann said regarding his potential World Cup team. Germany will be back in action at the end of this month with friendlies against Switzerland and Ghana.

“There will be decisions. I can already reveal that there would surely be a lack of understanding with some of our decisions when the time comes. Not only from players, but also from the wider public. Because a regular starter and key performer at his club might perhaps be a player who is not planned to be in our starting lineup.”

Although it seems like he was talking about a different player or two from bigger clubs, Nagelsmann also sends a message to Leeds United’s in-form midfielder Anton Stach. The former Hoffenheim player is enjoying a fruitful maiden campaign in England, but Nagelsmann is not yet sold on his impact.

“He’s doing well there. But he’s not exceptionally strong in the air and not top in recoveries either. He’s also someone who prefers to have the game in front of him. In my view, his best position at Hoffenheim was the central role in a back three, from where he could drop into the defensive midfielder position,” said Nagelsmann as he seemed to dismiss Stach’s versatility.

The two-time capped player scored four goals and assisted three times in 23 Premier League games, including his long-distance free-kick strike to beat the decorated Aston Villa shot-stopper Emiliano Martinez last week. His last appearance for Germany was nearly four years ago in the UEFA Nations League when Hansi Flick was in charge.