National squad's fixtures - Can qualifies for the European Championships without Reitz and Goretzka's help.
In a surprising move, Emre Can has been called up by Julian Nagelsmann for the European Championships (EM) squad for the German national team, after being previously overlooked.
Nagelsmann also has a strategy for the home-based EM. The 30-year-old Can may be better suited for this role than the dropped Aleksandar Pavlovic.
So what does Nagelsmann expect from Can?
"We are planning to nominate another player for the squad," Nagelsmann shared. "Not just for training, but also to step in when needed." The EM squad coach has realized that the German team requires additional toughness. What if Robert Andrich becomes tired or gets suspended during the tournament? Then Can's time may come. Can's strong ball-winning ability and clearly defined role make him ideal for this purpose. Nagelsmann's squad already has plenty of skilled players.
Were there any other options?
Nagelsmann named Rocco Reitz publicly. The 22-year-old trained with the team in Blankenhain and Herzogenaurach as a guest player and impressed. He deserved to be picked. However, Nagelsmann emphasized that experience is crucial and Can has the upper hand in that department. Nagelsmann is looking for a player who has played games in the premier league and can handle pressure situations. One who can also be replaced without putting undue stress on the player.
Why is Leon Goretzka not included?
Nagelsmann remained silent on Goretzka, knowing that it would only cause more controversy. Goretzka's exclusion is final. Nagelsmann had already made it clear earlier. There was no vacant starting spot with Pavlovic's absence. As a substitute, Goretzka is not suitable, according to the national team coach. So, Goretzka is off to Norway for a vacation rather than the home-based EM.
What's Pavlovic's future look like?
Nagelsmann encouraged Pavlovic to look ahead. "He knows there are more tournaments coming," the national team coach said. More crucial for the 20-year-old is to resolve his recurring ankle problems. A possible surgery, which Pavlovic himself mentioned, appears likely. Then he can take time off, go on vacation, and join Bayern's training camp earlier. A starting spot at Munich would be a great boost for his young national team career. In two years, the World Cup will be held in North America.
