Julian Nagelsmann on Bernd Leno’s rejection of a national team call up: “He made demands that I couldn’t fulfill.”

Speaking at his pre-match press conference (via @iMiaSanMia) ahead of Germany’s game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Julian Nagelsmann has responded to Bernd Leno’s rejection of the national team.

Earlier in the break, in an interview with Bild, Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno revealed he turned down a call-up as he was not going to be given a game. Germany captain Joshua Kimmich had also responded to Leno’s comments during the break. 

Now it was time for the Bundestrainer’s view on the situation:

“He made demands that I couldn’t fulfill. I showed him an interesting perspective, but he wasn’t so happy with that. Everyone has to decide for themselves”

Nagelsmann was then asked if this closes the door on Leno’s chances of returning to the German national team:

“I’m not closing the door, but that hasn’t opened it very wide either.”

Instead of Leno, Red Bull Sazlburg’s Janis Blaswich was recalled to the squad as Germany’s third-choice keeper. It has also been revealed that Alexander Nübel will be Germany’s number one for their game against Bosnia this evening while Oliver Baumann will be given the nod for Germany’s game against the Netherlands on Monday. 

Leno has not played for Germany since 2021 while he was last called up to the squad earlier this year in the March international break. 

GGFN | Jack Meenan