Leno expresses his perspective on the stern criticism delivered by the Nailsman
The situation surrounding Bernd Leno's decision to skip the German national football team’s last couple of games has sparked quite a buzz, catching the goalkeeper off guard himself. As reported, Leno mentioned in an interview with Sky, "I've gotta admit, there's been a lot of chatter about it, and I didn't expect it."
Leno, who serves as the main goalkeeper for FC Fulham in the English Premier League, hasn't challenged the popular narrative surrounding the situation. According to this account, German national coach Julian Nagelsmann proposed Leno a spot on the team, without any promise of game time. Leno then opted out of participating in the camp, which included the matches against Bosnia-Herzegovina (2:1 win) and Netherland (1:0 loss).
Leno confirmed that most of what had been discussed in the media was factual, and in his words, "Julian Nagelsmann was quite clear about the situation." Strangely enough, Leno seemed fine with the process. "We had an open and honest conversation without any sugarcoating."
Following the serious injury of first-choice goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen (patellar tendon tear), there was a vacancy between the posts for the German Football Association (DFB). Nagelsmann then opted to give Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nübel each a chance in the net. Leno was slated to be the third goalkeeper, but only as a reserve.
Nagelsmann apparently presented Leno with an "intriguing prospect" for the future, as Nagelsmann explained before the game against Bosnia-Herzegovina. However, with Leno's refusal, the possibility of a DFB return for Leno is "not totally off the table, but it's also not any closer." Nagelsmann voiced his thoughts, "Ultimately, everyone has to make their own decisions on how they want to proceed." Leno, being no longer 25, but with some maturity to make informed decisions, is capable of assessing situations as he sees fit.
Leno's role in the English Premier League with FC Fulham allows him to stay updated with the latest developments in soccer. Despite the offer from German national coach Julian Nagelsman, Leno chose to focus on his club career, showing his commitment to FC Fulham's soccer matches.
