Nagelsmann opting to leave out goalkeeper Nübel
Before facing Greece in the international match, it was apparent that Alexander Nübel wouldn't be part of the final European Championship team. Just before kick-off, coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed this and presented his reasoning behind the move.
Nagelsmann gave the explanation that Nübel's exclusion was related to the uncertain health status of Leroy Sané. He added, "We had to adjust the plan." Sané's persistent groin injury has created "a couple of doubts," and although he was now fully recovered, this had happened before at Bayern, and suddenly, his condition changed. Hence, Nagelsmann determined to add an extra field player over a fourth goalkeeper.
The final European Championship squad and the planned team were completely set, as stated by Nagelsmann. Nevertheless, he claimed Nübel's removal from the team wasn't due to his performance, and the Stuttgart goalkeeper had successfully contributed during training sessions, with his excellent leadership skills. The goalkeeper's future in the national team was also promised by his coach.
However, Nagelsmann would still not be without a fourth goalkeeper at the Euros. He planned to bring a young goalkeeper for the training sessions but refrained from revealing their identity: "It's not the right time."
Legendary footballer Lothar Matthäus found little sense in this decision and believed Nübel should have been included in the European Championship team, as he is the likely successor to Manuel Neuer or Marc-André ter Stegen in the future. Therefore, he would have included Nübel automatically in his squad.
Wohlgemuth, VfB's sports director, defended Nübel, saying that the goalkeeper's absence didn't diminish his quality. Wohlgemuth reassured Nübel, "Alex's time with the national team will come. I'm convinced of that." The players like Maximilian Beier from Hoffenheim and Robin Koch from Eintracht Frankfurt were earlier speculated as potential exclusions, but Nagelsmann clarified that no player would be eliminated based on the training camp's impressions.
Previously, offensively-minded Maximilian Beier from Hoffenheim and defensive highlight player Robin Koch from Eintracht Frankfurt were probable candidates for exclusion. But Nagelsmann had insisted on numerous occasions that no player's exclusion was a result of the opinions based on the training camp.
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In light of Nagelsmann's decision, it was speculated that Nübel might get a chance to represent Germany at the European Football Championship 2024 with the national soccer team, led by DFB. Despite his absence from the current European Championships squad, Nübel's exceptional skills as a goalkeeper were acknowledged by VfB Stuttgart's sports director, Wohlgemuth.
As the European Championships approached, discussions arose about possible replacements for Leroy Sané, with VfB Stuttgart's goalkeeper Alexander Nübel being mentioned as a potential option. However, under Julian Nagelsmann's leadership, the focus remained on the players who were ultimately selected for the final squad.
Despite not having a place in the European Championships team this year, goalkeeper Alexander Nübel continued to train with VfB Stuttgart, eager to prove his worth and secure a spot in the National soccer team's plans for future competitions, such as the European Football Championship 2024.
