Germany's national coach Julian Nagelsmann. © ANSA / RONALD WITTEK

Nagelsmann under fire: "What is he thinking?"

Following Germany's 2-1 victory against Ghana, national coach Julian Nagelsmann is facing criticism. The reason: his comments about one of his players.

March 31, 2026

From: dpa/det

Former German international Stefan Effenberg is irritated by Julian Nagelsmann's comments about Deniz Undav. After Germany's 2-1 victory against Ghana, the national coach said he intended to use the VfB Stuttgart striker as a substitute for the national team – giving Undav little hope of starting appearances.

Effenberg said this in a column at t-online: "Nagelsmann is making himself completely vulnerable unnecessarily by lacking insight and flexibility, especially in important personnel matters," wrote the former FC Bayern Munich professional, adding: "That was a mistake. What was he thinking?"

Deniz Undav came as a joker. © ANSA / RONALD WITTEK

When asked whether there might be any changes to Undav's planned role as a substitute, Nagelsmann said: "Rather unlikely, because I didn't hold the role discussions for March, but for the World Cup."

Effenberg disagrees: “After Bayern’s Harry Kane, he is the best attacker in the Bundesliga and currently the best German striker,” said the 57-year-old about Undav, who scored the winning goal for Germany as a substitute.

Effenberg: Loyalty to Sané incomprehensible

Leroy Sané, whose substitution in the match against Ghana was met with boos from some fans, is viewed critically by Effenberg. "Quite clearly and unequivocally: That's unacceptable, he didn't deserve that," Effenberg wrote regarding the boos. "Nevertheless, this reaction also reflects the spectators' keen sense that something isn't right, that a player's decision is incomprehensible."

Stefan Effenberg lashed out at Nagelsmann. © APA/epa / FRISO GENTSCH

Effenberg added: "Just like with Undav, Nagelsmann is ignoring the performance principle he so emphatically emphasizes in the case of Sané and is clinging to the Galatasaray striker with incomprehensible loyalty, even though his performances for the Istanbul club this season have been limited."

"If we play like this, we won't win the World Cup title."

Overall, Effenberg is very critical of the German national team's recent performances. "If we play like this, we won't win the World Cup. We need to improve significantly, because at the latest from the round of 16 onwards, we'll be facing different opponents," the 57-year-old wrote after the 4-3 win against Switzerland and the 2-1 victory against Ghana.

Effenberg explained: “These two games have raised more questions than they have answered – and that should be a cause for concern. Because I simply don't see any progress from this team compared to a year ago or to the beginning of Nagelsmann's tenure.”