Nagelsmann relies on DFB goalkeeper Leno in his plans – implicitly offering some critique towards Lehmann.
The absence of goalkeeper Bernd Leno from Germany's national football team lineup has left experts and teammates scratching their heads. Head coach Julian Nagelsmann has revealed the reasons behind this decision, showing a lack of empathy.
Leno, a 32-year-old goalkeeper who has represented the national team nine times, seems to be out of favor under Nagelsmann. "I've always said: I don't slam the door shut, but it hasn't been swung open either," Nagelsmann stated bluntly in Zenica. Leno opted out of playing in the Nations League matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday and Netherlands on Monday.
Nagelsmann clarified that Leno didn't want to be a benchwarmer. "I've presented him with an exciting prospect, but more for the long run than the short," Nagelsmann said, adding with a hint of bitterness, "In the end, everyone has the freedom to decide how they want to navigate things." Leno, Nagelsmann emphasized, is no longer in his 20s but has the maturity to make informed decisions. "And if he chooses to make them this way, that's his prerogative." Playing for the national team is a great honor for Nagelsmann.
The door for Leno to rejoin the team can only open if he performs exceptionally well and other goalkeepers underperform, Nagelsmann stated. With Marc-Andre ter Stegen injured, Alexander Nübel from Stuttgart will debut against Bosnia, while Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann will face Netherlands. Janis Blaswich from Salzburg is also part of the squad as the third goalkeeper.
Nagelsmann also took a slight jab at experts who quick to comment on Leno's withdrawal without knowing the entire story. "It underscores the importance of understanding the full context before jumping to conclusions and making public statements," Nagelsmann noted, with Jens Lehmann, a former national goalkeeper, among those who voiced support for Leno in Bild newspaper. "He plays in the Premier League with Fulham, the toughest league in the world, and is better equipped to organize defenses," Lehmann argued. He added with a touch of irony, "But then again, I'm not surprised either..."
Captain Joshua Kimmich also commented on Leno's withdrawal during the week. "He's a world-class goalkeeper," Kimmich said, adding that being called up to the German national team is a privilege, but one should never be forced to participate. "If someone doesn't want to come, they don't have to," Kimmich concluded.
Absence of key players across positions
Nagelsmann is dealing with the absence of several essential players - not just in goal - for the third of six group-stage games. Besides Nübel, who described his upcoming debut as a "big deal," there will be another newcomer in the starting lineup. Nagelsmann revealed that either Borussia Mönchengladbach's Tim Kleindienst or Mainz's Jonathan Burkardt will play as strikers. "One of them will start," Nagelsmann said categorically.
Germany's top scorer Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, and Niclas Füllkrug are all unavailable due to injuries. Nagelsmann, however, turned the adverse situation into an opportunity for regular and new players who have seen reduced playing time recently. "The players who will get the chance should throw themselves into the game with all their might, show courage, and ultimately emerge victorious," Nagelsmann demanded.
Hansi Flick commenced the press conference by expressing his gratitude to the Bosnians for their "warm hospitality" and hoped that the football game would bring joy back to the people affected by the recent severe flooding in parts of the country.
Despite Leno's absence from the national football team due to Nagelsmann's decision, the 32-year-old goalkeeper remains an important figure for his club Fulham in the Premier League. Captain Joshua Kimmich supports Leno's choice, emphasizing that no one should be forced to participate if they don't wish to.
With key players like Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, and Niclas Füllkrug injured, Nagelsmann sees this situation as an opportunity for regular and new players to show their mettle in the German national football team.
