Sané in, El Mala out: Nagelsmann explains the decisions | OneFootball

Sané in, El Mala out: Nagelsmann explains the decisions | OneFootball

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·21 de maio de 2026

Sané in, El Mala out: Nagelsmann explains the decisions

Imagem do artigo:Sané in, El Mala out: Nagelsmann explains the decisions

The DFB squad selection has once again sparked plenty of debate. While Leroy Sané has secured his World Cup ticket, Said El Mala has to stay home. The internet is discussing it controversially. Julian Nagelsmann knows that too. 

At club level, Sané’s numbers have been too weak, the national coach also admitted, but at the same time pointed to his performances in the DFB shirt: "For us, he has recorded five goal contributions in the last four games." He has "an extremely high level of respect within the team," Nagelsmann said in explaining the nomination of the Galatasaray star. In addition, with his pace and technique, he can make a big difference against deep-lying opponents. 


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Another reason was the good connection he has with Sané. "I have a great relationship with him and trust myself to push him in a way that will lead to much more positive opinions about him after the World Cup," Nagelsmann continued.

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Speaking about his conversation with El Mala, the national coach said the Cologne player had reacted well to the rejection. "He had a great second half of the season. But of course he also fits Cologne’s style of play very well. The question was: Is he already far enough along for our style of play at a different attacking level?" Nagelsmann explained. Maximilian Beier was therefore preferred and is planned as an option for counterattacks. 

"You always have to weigh things up a bit. Said’s future will come. But of course, a conversation like that is always complicated," the national coach continued. 

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.


📸 Christian Kaspar-Bartke - 2026 Getty Images

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