World Cup qualification
Nagelsmann counters Sammer after the Sané debate
November 13, 2025 – 8:19 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Julian Nagelsmann recently publicly criticized Leroy Sané – and thus drew criticism. Now the national coach is defending himself.
Julian Nagelsmann discussed his striking announcements about Leroy Sané with the national soccer player in advance. The national coach said this before the World Cup qualifier in Luxembourg this Friday (8.45 p.m./RTL). “I didn’t do it as a joke. It was discussed with him. I know what he can do and want to bring what he can to the pitch,” said Nagelsmann.
On Monday, the head coach said, among other things, about the DFB returnee from Galatasaray Istanbul: “Leroy knows what is required and he also knows that there are no longer countless, many chances to prove yourself at the national team level, at least under my leadership.” Experts such as Matthias Sammer and Lothar Matthäus had criticized the national coach for the clear announcement.
What do the words mean for the game? “Nothing at all,” Nagelsmann made clear. “I didn’t use the word last chance either. I said that he doesn’t have countless chances anymore. That’s also a fact.” The 29-year-old offensive player received a lot of trust from him and used it “sometimes better, sometimes worse,” as Nagelsmann judged.
The national coach called Sané “a damn cool sock” and emphasized that he can handle pressure well. In response to Sammer’s statement (“Individualists need love, they need so much love that it hits”), Nagelsmann replied: “He got the love that it hits from me for many years.” Sané is expected in the German offensive line on Friday alongside Serge Gnabry, Florian Wirtz and Nick Woltemade.