STUTTGART, Germany – The relationship between Stuttgart and the German national team under Julian Nagelsmann has become a noteworthy one. That connection extends beyond the dramatic quarterfinal loss to Spain at the recent European Championship, a defeat that unfolded in this very city. Even though no Stuttgart players were in the starting lineup that day, the influence of the club – with four players included in the squad at the time – demonstrably helped propel Nagelsmann’s team to that stage. Now, that representation could grow, though likely without a significant shift in the established team dynamic.
The announcement that Alexander Nübel, one of five Stuttgart players in the current squad – matching the representation from Bayern Munich – would be attending the pre-match press conference ahead of Monday’s friendly against Ghana came as a surprise. Sitting alongside Nagelsmann at the podium in Stuttgart on Sunday, the coach confirmed Nübel would earn his third international cap, framing it not as an audition, but as “a reward for very good performances over a long period.” He also subtly reinforced what was already widely understood: Oliver Baumann is the clear frontrunner to be Germany’s No. 1 goalkeeper for the upcoming World Cup.
Undav’s Role Remains Uncertain
The discussion extended beyond goalkeepers, revolving around roles and expectations as Nagelsmann prepares to name his final World Cup roster on May 12th. While the coach emphasized that players internally understand their positions, uncertainty remains regarding the starting lineup. For the immediate task – the match against Ghana, fresh off a 5-1 loss to Austria – Nagelsmann intends to rotate the squad to manage player workload, balancing the needs of the national team with those of their respective clubs. However, he stressed this rotation wouldn’t deviate from the long-term profiles he’s established for each player, suggesting a lineup similar to the one that started Friday’s match in Basel.
Antonio Rüdiger, formerly of Stuttgart, is expected to feature, though likely not from the start. Deniz Undav, currently with VfB Stuttgart, could also see playing time, but similarly isn’t anticipated to be in the starting eleven. Undav’s situation has been a topic of debate, and his omission from the starting lineup against Switzerland in favor of Nick Woltemade reportedly caused some friction, despite aligning with Nagelsmann’s broader tactical vision.
The Nagelsmann-Sané Dynamic
Perhaps even more intensely debated has been the case of Leroy Sané. Nagelsmann appears to be grappling with an internal conflict regarding the Galatasaray Istanbul winger – a tension between his desired role and Sané’s current form. The coach stated he needs Sané as a one-on-one player, specifically a “left-footed player on the right side,” or “fußverkehrt” as he place it. However, he also emphasized that Sané must consistently reach the benchmark he set in the 6-0 victory over Slovakia. Nagelsmann asserted he won’t drop a player after a single poor performance, referencing the scrutiny following the 4-3 win against Switzerland, but a degree of dissatisfaction was palpable. Lennart Karl, the confident young player from Bayern Munich, likely took note.
One particular detail from the 2024 match against Spain wasn’t discussed on Sunday. Notably, the referee for the upcoming match against Ghana will be Stuart Attwell of England, who served as the VAR during that contentious European Championship quarterfinal. That fact is sure to be heard within the stadium.
Germany’s preparation for the World Cup continues with this friendly against Ghana, a crucial opportunity for Nagelsmann to fine-tune his squad and solidify his plans. The match, scheduled for Monday in Stuttgart, will provide a final assessment of players vying for a place in the final 26-man roster. The stakes are high as Nagelsmann navigates the complexities of team selection, tactical adjustments, and player expectations in the lead-up to the tournament.
The German national team will then turn its attention to further preparations, with details of training camps and additional friendlies expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can follow official updates and team news through the DFB’s official website and social media channels. The focus remains firmly on building a cohesive and competitive squad capable of challenging for success on the world stage.
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