After the injury to Yann Aurel Bisseck, Julian Nagelsmann had to become creative. The national coach opted for a surprising solution.
Before the upcoming duel with Portugal in the final four tournament of the Nations League on Wednesday, Julian Nagelsmann asks who could act in central defense alongside Jonathan Tah. Defense chief Antonio Rüdiger fails due to injury and was therefore not nominated by the national coach.
Waldemar Anton von Borussia Dortmund or Robin Koch from Eintracht Frankfurt could probably replace the real professional at the defensive center. Yann Aurel Bisseck would also have been an option. But the 24-year-old from Inter Milan injured himself on Saturday in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain (0: 5) shortly after he was slow on the thigh and must now also fit for the Nations League.
With only three nominal central defenders, Julian Nagelsmann apparently did not want to go into the upcoming games. So he decided to re -tunate a player for the squad. However, not everyone should have expected their choice of staff.
As the DFB announced on Friday, Thilo Kehrer Bisseck will take a seat in the German contingent. This is surprising, because the former Schalke has never been in the German squad under Nagelsmann. Kehrer’s last international match dates from June 16, 2023. At that time, Germany lost 0-1 against Poland. DFB team trainer at this time: Hansi Flick.
The term of the current Barcelona coach came to an end a few weeks later-and thus the time of Thilo Kehrer in the national team for the time being. Because under Nagelsmann the defenseman played no role at all.
Kehrer, who moved to AS Monaco in January 2024 after the Schalke, Paris Saint-Germain and West Ham, commented on his situation in the DFB team last October. “I want to be invited. And I think that I would have earned a nomination through my performance and qualities,” he said at the time. “But the national coach decides which players really deserve to be in the squad.”
He has finally decided on Kehrer, although it felt like it was disappeared from the German field of vision. But the 28-year-old’s nomination has a hand and foot.
In Monaco, Kehrer has been convincing with constant good performances since his arrival. Last season he ran in 27 league games for the Principality of Club and also captivated with his leadership qualities. He was even allowed to lead his team to the field several times as a captain.
The defensive player also demonstrated its final qualities last season. He scored four goals in Ligue 1, another was added to the Champions League – a top value for a defensive player. In any case: Kehrer had never scored five goals in a season.
An important factor for Kehrer’s strong services is also its constant use in central defense. In the league, he always acted only in the defense center and not as before on the right defense. Kehrer already emphasized in October: “Being flexible is a strength. But for me it is very helpful to have a fixed position in the center. Then I’m best.” Julian Nagelsmann apparently also sees it that way. The invitation to the national team is proof.