National squad - Stuttgart's goalkeeper Nübel not selected for the European Championship by Nagelsmann.
German goalkeeper Alexander Nübel won't be joining the national football team for the upcoming European Championship. The 27-year-old, who's playing for VfB Stuttgart, was cut from the final 26-member group.
National coach Julian Nagelsmann spoke before the kick-off of the last EM test match against Greece in Mönchengladbach on RTL about his decision. While he commended Nübel's performance, he mentioned "uncertainties" surrounding Leroy Sané, a winger from Bayern Munich. The coach opted for an additional field player over a fourth goalkeeper in the team.
Nübel's removal was unexpected. Nagelsmann had previously stated during the presentation of his 27-player provisional squad on May 16 that he would bring four goalkeepers to the tournament for training purposes. Consequently, Nübel, who hadn't yet represented his country, was included despite his impressive showings for Bundesliga runner-up VfB Stuttgart. The goalie expressed his astonishment at being picked for the team and had to cancel his safari vacation plans.
The roster now comprises 23 field players and 3 goalkeepers, as is customary for past tournaments. Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer remains the starting goalkeeper, with Marc-André ter Stegen (FC Barcelona) and Oliver Baumann (TSG Hoffenheim) as backups.
Stuttgart's sports director, Fabian Wohlgemuth, assured that Nübel, although omitted, was not viewed as lacking in quality. "Alex' turn in the national team will come," Wohlgemuth firmly stated.
Beier and Koch secure their spots in the EM squad
Maximilian Beier, an offensive player from Hoffenheim, and defender Robin Koch from Eintracht Frankfurt were rumored to be at risk of being eliminated. However, despite Nagelsmann's previous assurance that no one would be removed based on his performance in the camp, he announced that he had made a decision. He intended to inform the affected player once the match against Greece was done and then disclose the final squad.
The squad needs to be registered with UEFA by midnight, with only injuries allowing for changes until the match against Scotland on June 14. Moreover, goalkeepers can be replaced during the tournament if a UEFA doctor certifies an injury.
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Despite being excluded from the national team for the European Championship, Nübel continues to shine in Stuttgart. His strong performances have not gone unnoticed in Bavaria, with Bayern Munich reportedly showing interest.
Germany's national soccer team is not only missing Nübel but also faces a significant absence in Stuttgart, as Leroy Sané is also not part of Nagelsmann's squad. Sané's injury woes continue to hamper his international career.
In Baden-Württemberg, VfB Stuttgart and Hoffenheim fans are eagerly awaiting the Euros, hoping for a good showing from their local clubs' representatives in the German national team.
Meanwhile, in North Rhine-Westphalia, Dortmund and Mönchengladbach fans cheer for their teams' players in the national team, with Borussia Dortmund's Julian Brandt and Marcus Thuram among the selected players.
The absence of Nübel and Sané from the German team has reignited discussions about the depth of talent in German soccer, particularly in goalkeeping and attacking positions.
German fans are keeping a close eye on the tournament, as the national team seeks to defend their past titles and prove their mettle against strong competitors like Greece.
Despite the team changes, supporters in Stuttgart and across Germany remain confident in the national team's ability to deliver a strong performance at the European Championship.
RTL, the broadcaster of the EM, has promised comprehensive coverage of the tournament, including pre-match and post-match analysis, interviews with players, and live updates of every match.
Finally, Stuttgart's VfB Stuttgart and Baden-Württemberg's VfB Stuttgart fans are keeping a special eye on their club's former goalkeeper Nübel's journey with the German national team, hoping for his opportunity to shine in the future.
