Germany's head coach Julian Nagelsmann is not happy with goalkeeper Bernd Leno's decision to decline the national team invitation. Leno was called up due to an injury to Marc-André ter Stegen, but he only wanted to travel to Germany if he was guaranteed playing time.
Nagelsmann confirmed during a press conference that Germany is set to face Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Netherlands in their upcoming international fixtures, with the latter match taking place in Munich.
However, a significant talking point arose when Bernd Leno, the 32-year-old goalkeeper, declined the call-up for this international window. Leno last appeared for the national team in 2021 during the World Cup qualifying campaign for Qatar, featuring in a match against Liechtenstein. Since then, he has not been called upon, and this latest snub has added more complexity to his relationship with the national team.
Leno was interested in returning to the national fold, but his hopes were dashed when he was considered only for the role of the third-choice goalkeeper. The Arsenal and Fulham shot-stopper was clear in his stance, reportedly telling the German coaching staff that he would only travel if guaranteed playing time. Nagelsmann, respecting Leno’s decision but also frustrated, explained that while he offered the goalkeeper a promising perspective for the future, it was not enough to persuade Leno to join the squad. "I have to live with his decision," Nagelsmann said before the Bosnia-Herzegovina match. "It’s relatively simple. He made demands that I couldn’t meet. I offered him an interesting perspective not in the short term, but in the medium term. However, he wasn’t happy with that, and he decided not to come," the German head coach added.
Nagelsmann’s words carried a subtle undertone of dissatisfaction, hinting that Leno’s refusal may impact his future with the national team. "It hasn’t closed the door for him, but it certainly hasn’t opened it any further either. If he plays exceptionally well and others don’t, the door could reopen," Nagelsmann said. He also pointed out that Leno, at 32, is experienced enough to weigh the consequences of his decision. "Bernd is no longer 25, he’s mature enough to evaluate this matter for himself."
Leno’s absence leaves Germany without a veteran presence in goal, but it also opens up opportunities for fresh faces in the squad. The situation has led to Nagelsmann calling up three goalkeepers who have yet to make their debut for the national team: Oliver Baumann from 1899 Hoffenheim, Alexander Nübel from VfB Stuttgart, and Janis Blaswich from Red Bull Salzburg. Each of these goalkeepers brings their own strengths and has earned the call-up based on recent performances at the club level. However, this lack of international experience could pose a challenge for Germany as they navigate these crucial matches.
Blaswich, who has had an unconventional path to his current status, was a particularly interesting choice. The former Heracles Almelo goalkeeper didn’t feature in youth international matches early in his career, making his rise to the national team even more remarkable. His form at Red Bull Salzburg, combined with his ability to perform under pressure, has earned him this opportunity to potentially debut for Germany on the big stage.
While the upcoming matches present an opportunity for Baumann, Nübel, or Blaswich to stake their claim as Germany's future in goal, the Leno situation underscores the challenges Nagelsmann faces in managing the transition within the team. With Manuel Neuer’s era nearing its end and Marc-André ter Stegen temporarily sidelined, Germany is in a period of goalkeeper uncertainty. How Nagelsmann navigates these decisions will be crucial, not only for the immediate results in the Nations League but also as Germany prepares for the next European Championship and World Cup.
The door may not be fully closed on Leno, but his refusal to accept a backup role in the current setup suggests that the goalkeeper hierarchy in Germany is far from settled. Leno’s impressive club performances could still force Nagelsmann to reconsider in the future, but for now, Germany is set to embark on their upcoming matches with a fresh batch of goalkeepers ready to make their mark.
