Former national players Stefan Effenberg and Markus Babbel have sharply criticized national coach Julian Nagelsmann’s management of striker Deniz Undav. While Babbel largely agrees with Effenberg’s points, he offers a more nuanced perspective on some of Nagelsmann’s decisions.
Effenberg labeled Nagelsmann’s approach as «totally irritating and also incomprehensible.» Speaking on a sports discussion show, the 57-year-old argued that Undav, being the best Bundesliga striker after Harry Kane with an outstanding goal-involvement record (36 goals in 39 games), should be a guaranteed starter based on performance.
Effenberg also expressed bewilderment at Nagelsmann’s decision to start Kai Havertz to give him match practice after an injury. «The national team is not the place for that,» Effenberg stated. «That’s what clubs and training sessions are for.» He extended this criticism to the rationale behind starting Nick Woltemade for confidence-building: «That belongs at the club, not in the national team. The best players should play there.»
Effenberg with Clear Criticism of Nagelsmann
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From Effenberg’s perspective, Undav should have started both in the 4-3 victory against Switzerland and the 2-1 win against Ghana.
Beyond selection issues, Effenberg was particularly troubled by Nagelsmann’s public comments about Undav. «You must never talk about a player from your team like that. You don’t do something like that,» he asserted, stressing that such discussions should occur behind closed doors, not publicly.
Babbel ‘Extremely Irritated’
Markus Babbel echoed Effenberg’s criticism, describing himself as «extremely irritated.» He claimed he could not recall any national coach speaking so negatively about their own players, calling it an «absolute novelty.»
Babbel also pointed out that Nagelsmann’s public statements indirectly affected VfB Stuttgart and especially coach Sebastian Hoeneß.
However, Babbel diverged from Effenberg on one aspect, showing understanding for certain coaching decisions. He found it reasonable to start Havertz post-injury to assess his form, and also accepted Woltemade’s inclusion given his new, more central role at Newcastle.
Undav: No Issues with Nagelsmann
Undav himself stated there were no tensions with Nagelsmann. «I don’t want to elaborate on the topic. I’ve spoken with the national coach. The matter is settled, everything is fine between us,» the VfB Stuttgart striker explained after a game, adding that he would not reveal the details of their private conversation.
For Undav, his performance and contribution to the team are paramount: «It’s only important to keep performing, to help the team and the country achieve something great,» Undav declared. «I will always give my all for that, whether I play one minute or 90 minutes. The rest is essentially irrelevant.»
Undav Puts Nagelsmann Topic Aside
Following the public debate, Undav is now clearly focusing on VfB Stuttgart. «Closer to summer, if I’m part of the squad, I’ll give everything for the country,» he said, considering the matter closed from his perspective.
Previously, Nagelsmann had privately hinted at a World Cup joker role for Undav. Yet, Undav hopes for more playing time and believes his performances can earn it: «Through goals – and important goals – the role might change.» Nagelsmann, however, tempered these expectations, deeming a role change «rather unlikely.»
Deniz Undav: Performance Data in the 2025/26 Season
| Competitive Matches | Goals | Assists |
| 39 | 23 | 13 |