Overview
- German reports say Julian Nagelsmann and Deniz Undav spoke by phone and agreed to stop public comments about the striker’s role, with Undav saying the issue is settled between them.
- Nagelsmann has argued Undav works best as a late-game “joker” against tired defenses and even said the forward played poorly before scoring in the recent Ghana friendly.
- Calls to start the VfB Stuttgart striker grew after he hit the late winner against Ghana and said he hopes to change his current bench role.
- Pundits kept up pressure on the coach, as Stefan Effenberg and Markus Babbel criticized his public remarks and selection choices, and commentary questioned his credibility.
- The stakes are clear for Germany’s attack because Undav has around 18 Bundesliga goals this season and is viewed by many as the country’s most in-form center-forward before the tournament.