Julian Nagelsmann has had a chance to address Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller’s absence from the German national team. After explaining why the Stuttgart professional didn’t make the November round of call-ups, the German national team head coach spoke on the way Sebastian Hoeneß and other Stuttgart players handled the issue with the media.
“We have [Borussia Dortmund’s] Felix Nmecha in the number six position, who is having a very good season, and [Bayern Munich’s] Aleksandar Pavlovic, who plays for what is certainly the most stable team in Europe right now,” Nagelsmann said at a Monday DFB press conference. “I see them as being just a tick ahead. We also have sixes Nadiem Amiri and Leon Goretzka, who are a bit more offensive.”
“In October, we had five defensive midfielders, three of whom – including Angelo – who didn’t play a single second,” Nagelsmann continued. “We had too many defensive midfielders. The balance wasn’t right. Now we have exactly two players for each position. I had a very good conversation with Angelo and [VfB Stuttgart head coach] Sebastian [Hoeneß] about this.
“It’s my responsibility to explain such things to a player, but not necessarily to a coach,” Nagelsmann went on. “I was still happy to do so because I have a good relationship with Sebastian. I also told him that I’m not angry in any way about the statements after the [Stuttgart Europa League] game. He’s a very important player for VfB and they should protect their players.
“The door is not closed and there’s no need for any drama,” Nagelsmann concluded.
