National team coach Julian Nagelsmann has apologized to national striker Deniz Undav following unfortunate statements made about him, also on the advice of his wife.
«It wasn’t right and was far too harsh for public consumption,» Nagelsmann stated in the talk series ‘Bestbesetzung’ on MagentaTV, emphasizing: «I said: ‘It was stupid of me, I’m sorry.'»
This realization also developed through discussions with his wife, Lena. «She is someone who is very reflective and naturally tells me to my face when something hasn’t been good. Deniz Undav is an example. I told her I would call him, and then she said: Yes, I advise you to do that. That’s how you can summarize it,» Nagelsmann said.
The national coach had repeatedly had to address the substitute role of the in-form Stuttgart attacker Undav on the sidelines of the recent international matches against Switzerland (4-3) and Ghana (2-1). After the VfB professional secured the victory against the Africans as a substitute in ‘his’ stadium, Nagelsmann had commented, among other things: «If he had been playing for 70 minutes beforehand, I don’t know if he would have put it in like that. It was already a long run, which after 70 minutes – especially with regard to the summer heat at 42 degrees – could be difficult for him.»
Nagelsmann: ‘It was an unnecessary remark’
He now regrets this statement. «It was an unnecessary remark, for which I also apologized directly to Deniz the next day. Fortunately, he accepted it, and everything is fine between us.» He admitted that he «simply let himself be a bit triggered by the many questions on the same topic at that moment.»
Undav, whom Nagelsmann sees as a «challenger» with a view to the World Cup, has shown that he «can play a good role as a substitute.» However, he added, «things can always change in this role. But that applies not only to Deniz, but to all players.»
Deniz Undav’s Record for the German National Team
| Appearances | 7 |
| Appearances over 90 minutes | 0 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 1 |