Leipzig – Former Germany international Mario Basler has launched a scathing critique of national team manager Julian Nagelsmann and the German Football Association (DFB) following the announcement of the squad for upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and Ghana. Basler specifically took issue with the inclusion of Antonio Rüdiger and Leroy Sané, questioning Nagelsmann’s credibility and the DFB’s values.
Basler, speaking on Bayern 1’s “Heute im Stadion” program, expressed his disbelief at Nagelsmann’s selections. “You can’t believe Julian Nagelsmann anymore. after everything he’s said, that he would only rely on players who fit together,” Basler stated, according to reports. The inclusion of Rüdiger and Sané, in particular, drew his ire.
“He has completely discredited himself in my eyes by inviting Rüdiger back, who has been playing on probation. And Sané, who plays for a second-division club in Galatasaray and is no longer on the pitch in the Champions League – that such players are still invited is unbelievable,” Basler added.
The criticism surrounding Rüdiger stems from past incidents, though Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa recently lauded the defender, stating he would “erect a statue” to Rüdiger in his garden, praising him as a role model for young players. Despite this support from his club manager, Basler remains unconvinced.
Sané’s move from Bayern Munich to Galatasaray Istanbul last summer also fueled Basler’s discontent. Although Sané has featured in ten of Galatasaray’s twelve Champions League matches this season, he has yet to score and has only two assists. He has found the net six times and provided four assists in 21 league appearances.
Basler’s broader complaint centers on what he perceives as a compromise of values by the DFB. “I suppose they are trampling on the values they once proclaimed when they invite a player like Rüdiger back. I think it’s an absolute disgrace,” he said.
The situation highlights a growing tension between traditional expectations for national team players and the realities of modern football, where players may compete in leagues outside of Europe’s top five. It also raises questions about Nagelsmann’s vision for the team as it prepares for the 2026 World Cup.
Beyond the squad selections, Basler also questioned Nagelsmann’s long-term commitment to the national team. “If I listen to Nagelsmann’s interviews, I suspect he will resign after the World Cup,” Basler predicted, noting that Nagelsmann’s contract runs until 2028. This prediction adds another layer of uncertainty surrounding the future of German football.
Basler expressed skepticism about Germany’s chances at the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. “I would already be happy if we could reach the quarter-finals again. The team has the potential if all the players are fit,” he conceded. “But with this squad, Sané, Rüdiger, I would be surprised.”
The upcoming friendlies against Switzerland on March 27 and Ghana on March 30 will be crucial opportunities for Nagelsmann to assess his squad and experiment with different tactics ahead of the World Cup. The matches, taking place in Leipzig, will also serve as a testing ground for novel players like Bayern Munich pair Jonas Urbig and Lennart Karl, who have received their first senior call-ups. Jamal Musiala, yet, has been left out of the squad as a precaution due to a recent relapse of an ankle injury.
The full Germany squad announced by Nagelsmann includes goalkeepers Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nübel, and Jonas Urbig; defenders Waldemar Anton, Nathaniel Brown, Joshua Kimmich, David Raum, Antonio Rüdiger, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jonathan Tah, Malick Thiaw, and Josha Vagnoman; midfielders Pascal Gross, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Anton Stach, Leon Goretzka, and Felix Nmecha; and attackers Serge Gnabry, Kai Havertz, Jamie Leweling, Lennart Karl, Leroy Sané, Kevin Schade, Deniz Undav, Florian Wirtz, and Nick Woltemade.
Basler’s outspoken criticism underscores the high expectations and intense scrutiny surrounding the German national team. His decision to cancel his membership for the football coach license, stating he will no longer provide financial support to the DFB, demonstrates the depth of his frustration. The coming months will be pivotal for Nagelsmann and his team as they strive to rebuild confidence and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Germany will face Switzerland on March 27, followed by a match against Ghana on March 30. Both games will be played in Leipzig, Germany. Fans eager to follow the team’s progress can uncover updates on the DFB’s official website and through major sports news outlets.
What are your thoughts on Nagelsmann’s squad selections? Share your opinions in the comments below.
