National coach Leroy Sané took responsibility in clear words. He no longer got the countless opportunities under him. This message is now followed by criticism from Matthias Sammer. He questioned Nagelsmann’s leadership style.
He is known for his open words and straightforward attitude. Even as a player, Matthias Sammer is not afraid to address problems clearly. The 1996 European champion has been one of the most respected experts in the country for many years.
Shortly before the World Cup qualifying decider against Luxembourg on Friday (20.45/RTL) and three days later against Slovakia (20.45/ZDF), Sammer criticized national coach Julian Nagelsmann and advised him to be calmer and less proactive.
“Julian is still a young coach – and young coaches tend to set stimulus points in certain phases when they want to make something happen,” said Sammer on the Sky program “Sammer & Basile”: “Young coaches basically want a solution in the next second. Older coaches remain calm, collected, clear – and work a lot on confidence.” Nagelsmann “might think a bit old-fashioned.”
Nagelsmann has been in Wolfsburg with a group from the German Football Association (DFB) since Monday – in preparation for the upcoming international match. At the press conference following his arrival, the national coach spoke on a wide range of topics – including Leroy Sané, who he recalled to the squad for the first time since the summer break.
“Individualists need love,” says Sammer
“Leroy knows what is needed. He knows that there are countless more opportunities for him to prove himself under my leadership in the national team, he knows that. I can say it openly because I have told him openly,” said Nagelsmann – and added: “He is a player who can do everything, he just has to do everything. Nobody can help him, only he can do it (…) But he also still has steps to take for things to get better – both here and at the club.”
Sammer said: “My experience is that individualists need love, need so much love that it touches the heart. That’s how it is.” When moderator Riccardo Basile asked if this was the great love he was talking about, Sammer replied: “That’s basically what I wouldn’t advise him to say. (…) You don’t need to question the level of the relationship in public. Wanted to explain to the public that this might be the last chance. I wouldn’t do that again, but at Julian’s age I would have done the same thing and that might not be right.”
The 58-year-old Sammer had criticized the national football team’s playing style in a public statement in the summer and criticized an overly positive approach to the 2024 European Championship exit in the quarter-finals. Nagelsmann partly agreed with Sammer in terms of content, but wanted a private rather than a public debate.
Two wins for a World Cup ticket
The national coach is looking for stability at the moment with his personnel policy and tactical decisions after a summer of failure with three defeats in the final Nations League tournament and the start of the World Cup qualifiers, Sammer now notes: “And I would just advise him: you cannot achieve it if you constantly set stimulus points.”
Sané first caused a stir off the pitch on Monday – with his outfit when he arrived at the team hotel. His wide-leg trousers ended just above his tennis socks, which were tucked into gold and black sneakers. He also wore a striking jacket and a “Jersey Beanie Patch Vintage Black” hat, which costs 150 dollars (130 euros). Compared to the bag of holding, it was really cheap. Sané keeps her handbag in the Louis Vuitton “Steamer 30” model. Cost: 8000 euros.
LaGa
