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Nagelsmann Apologizes to Undav and Reopens Germany’s Striker Competition

The move signals flexibility in Germany’s forward pecking order ahead of World Cup tune-ups.

Overview

  • Nagelsmann, in remarks released Thursday, said he phoned Deniz Undav to apologize for his post‑Ghana comments and said the striker accepted, calling their relationship fine.
  • He walked back last month’s stance that Undav would stay a bench option and said roles can always change for every player.
  • Nagelsmann said his wife, Lena, pushed him to make the call, describing her as a blunt sounding board who tells him when he gets it wrong.
  • Reports place Kai Havertz as his preferred forward and Nick Woltemade as next in line, though places remain open before late‑May and early‑June tune‑up matches.
  • Undav’s push for minutes is fueled by output — roughly 18 Bundesliga goals with five assists this season and four goals in seven caps — which has increased scrutiny of his role.