Julian Nagelsmann on Paul Wanner rejecting a Germany call-up: “He wouldn’t have been able to make a big impression now anyway.” | OneFootball

Speaking at his first press conference of the November international break, head coach Julian Nagelsmann has addressed Paul Wanner rejecting a Germany call-up.

Earlier last week, it was reported that Wanner had turned down the opportunity to join up with the senior Germany side for this international break and instead play for the under-21s. The 18-year-old is eligible to play for both Germany and Austria and has still yet to make a decision on his future.

On Wanner rejecting the call-up, Nagelsmann said:

In this international break, Wanner would have to compete with Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz, Julian Brandt, Serge Gnabry and Chris Führich in one of the three positions behind the striker.

With the Nations League games against Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as Hungary counting as competitive games, even a five-minute cameo from Wanner would have locked him to Germany making it close to impossible for him to switch allegiances if he wished later down the line.

Wanner is having a good start to his loan spell at Heidenheim, in 15 games across national and international competitions he has five goals and two assists.

GGFN | Jack Meenan