Julian Nagelsmann Explains Controversial Star Omission from DFB Squad: «Every Person Has Certain Character Traits»

For Julian Nagelsmann, the World Cup squad is not yet set in stone, even after the March call-ups. Nevertheless, it will be challenging for VfB Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller, who was once again not nominated, to secure a spot.

«The door is not closed,» the national coach assured on Thursday in Frankfurt/Main during the announcement of the squad for the international matches in Switzerland (March 27th/Basel) and against Ghana (March 30th/Stuttgart).

«Today’s announcement is not yet the final World Cup squad,» Nagelsmann stated at the DFB Campus. «Some players have another chance to prove themselves, while others we already know will remain at home. We aim for a good mix of the core players who will feature in the World Cup and fresh new talents.» New additions to the squad include Lennart Karl and goalkeeper Jonas Urbig (both from Bayern Munich).

However, the majority of the 23-player squad can be confident of their World Cup spots. «For a certain core group, we no longer focus on every daily form; we don’t react to every minor dip,» he emphasized. «Unless it persists for six weeks. The crucial aspect in a tournament is: 14-15 players get 95 percent of the playing time, while the others receive few minutes – but that role must be filled with maximum dedication. It’s important for me to reiterate that this is never about a character description that can be interpreted negatively. Every person has certain character traits and is suited for specific roles.»

Nagelsmann Praises Stiller, But Pavlovic is Preferred

Before offering his extensive explanation, Nagelsmann had been questioned about Angelo Stiller’s absence. During his monologue, he directly addressed the VfB Stuttgart midfielder. «He is an exceptionally good footballer with immense potential and consistently strong performances, but he faces competition from Pavlo, whom I currently see slightly ahead,» the national coach explained. He added, «Especially regarding certain tactical aspects. I don’t see Angelo in the starting eleven, and therefore we simply decided to fill the squad spots behind that differently.» This implies that Nagelsmann views Pavlovic as a more suitable role player than Stiller. Could it be that he worries Stiller might negatively affect team morale if he doesn’t play?

Nagelsmann seemed to anticipate such speculations, which is why he immediately clarified that this should not be interpreted as criticism of Stiller. He also stated that one should not «read anything into his words.» Nagelsmann reaffirmed that it was «a decision in favor of another player who is in the squad instead.»

The question remains, however, why Nagelsmann didn’t simply stick to a purely sporting justification.

Stiller had also been absent from the previous training camp in November, prompting criticism of the decision from some experts and those directly associated with Stuttgart. «I don’t know why. Clearly, we were very surprised,» said coach Sebastian Hoeneß, for example. After all, Stiller is «the central player» for Stuttgart.

The central midfield, alongside Pavlovic, will instead feature Leon Goretzka, Felix Nmecha, Anton Stach, and Pascal Groß. Nagelsmann will distribute his World Cup tickets in the second week of May. He must submit the final 26-player squad to FIFA by early June.

DFB Team: Germany National Squad Roster