The statistics speak for the native of East Frisia. In the sport of football, Undav’s accuracy means he has all the arguments on his side to play a more prominent role at the World Cup. Especially because Kai Havertz can also be used on the right wing and Nick Woltemade, who is preferred by Nagelsmann over Undav at the top, has been in a hole in form for months. The Newcastle United professional was also extremely unfortunate against Ghana.
But the national coach doesn’t seem to want to shake his World Cup plan for the German attack. Possibly in order to avoid any unrest in the team towards the start of the tournament and at the same time to maintain their own authenticity. Before the Ghana game, Nagelsmann said, at least on ARD: “When I have a role conversation with a player, I have to stick to it to some extent, because otherwise I can forget my credibility.” So it’s no wonder that he has so far stoically stuck to the ranking he set in the DFB attack: Havertz and Woltemade ahead of Undav.
It’s hard to imagine that Nagelsmann could change his mind in the coming weeks. His statements in the Undav case were too clear even after the final whistle. When asked by ARD presenter Esther Sedlaczek about his statements about a possible change in his role, Nagelsmann said tightly: “Yes, we’ll see.” When Sedlaczek asked whether that wasn’t out of the question, the national coach replied: “No, but rather unlikely because I didn’t do the role discussions for the March exercise, but for the World Cup.” A clear message to Undav that Nagelsmann only sees him as a replacement.
Later at the press conference, Nagelsmann went further in this regard. Undav is only putting himself under pressure with his statements, said the national coach. And: “I didn’t think his performance was good until the goal. I think he touched the ball once,” criticized Nagelsmann. “But that’s why he’s a top striker who stands where the ball falls,” he then found at least a few words of praise for the goalscorer.
