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Despite the fact that he did score the game winning goal in last night’s victory over Ghana, German national team head coach Julian Nagelsmann stuck to his guns with regard to Stuttgart scoring sensation Deniz Undav. The 29-year-old might literally be in the form of his life for his Bundesliga club Stuttgart, but Nagelsmann emphasized that Undav isn’t yet a starter for his country.
Julian Nagelsmann and Deniz Undav’s verbal jousting
Nagelsmann downplayed the now seven-times-capped international’s national team role in a recent Kicker interview. Undav responded to Nagelsmann’s quotes directly. Nagelsmann, in turn, found himself very much on the defensive when commenting on Undav’s most recent call up at a DFB press conference.
Undav remained on the bench throughout during Germany’s 3-4 away win against Switzerland on Friday night. Yesterday evening, he was substituted on at the half. Undav’s largely remained anonymous prior to scoring the 2-1 against the African guests. Nagelsmann made a point of mentioned that.
Nagelsmann still critical of Undav
“He’s welcome to put me under pressure [with regard to his selection],” Nagelsmann remarked at the post-match press conference. “Up until the [88th minute] goal, I didn’t consider his performance to be very good. He didn’t have many chances; none at all actually and he barely touched the ball.
“Leroy Sané did a good job setting him up and he didn’t have much to do on the finish,” Nagelsmann continued. “But he did score the goal. The crucial point is that he can capitalize on opportunities when the opponent is tired. He did that because he was fresh [after coming on as a sub].
“It’s going to be incredibly hot in the USA this summer, and we definitely need subs to come off the bench in order to decide matches,” Nagelsmann concluded. “I think I’ve said enough on the topic. He’s a sub. That’s his role and that’s the end of a seven-day Deniz Undav discussion.“
Undav on his role
“It’s been some time since I featured and, naturally – when I came on – I was hopeful to score a goal,” Undav said in the mixed zone. “I’ve noticed how much German [fan] support I’ve had over the last week. I’m really grateful for that.
“I know my role, but my role can change with every goal,” Undav continued. “It’s ultimately up to the coach, but I’m looking to improve my lot. He [Nagelsmann] is right with his assessment, but I’ve proven with Stuttgart that I can make an impact as a starter or a sub.
“I am a creative player who can score goals,” Undav concluded. “And I can prove that over the course of a full 90 minutes.“
