Julian Nagelsmann has attempted to put to bed his ongoing feud with Deniz Undav.
Nagelsmann continues to call Undav up to the German national team, but has repeatedly said he won’t be a starter.
That’s despite Undav being by far the best scorer in the Germany squad with a goal scoring rate for Stuttgart this season among the best in Europe.
Undav, known as an outspoken competitor, has continually bit back in the press, saying he’ll make himself first choice for the World Cup.
One such incident saw him talk up his own performance after coming on as a substitute and scoring against Ghana in March.
However, Nagelsmann was quick to play down his display, something he now regrets.
Nagelsmann apologises
“It wasn’t right and was also far too aggressive in its publicity,” Nagelsmann said on MagentaTV.
“Then I said: ‘That was stupid of me, I’m sorry.’”
Explaining his realisation, he said his new wife helped him process the disagreement.
“She’s someone who reflects me very well, who naturally tells me to my face if something wasn’t right,” he said.
“Take Deniz Undav , for example. I told her I was going to call him, and then she said: ‘Yes, I advise you to do that too.’ That sums it up.
“It was an unnecessary remark, for which I apologized to Deniz the very next day.
“Thankfully, he accepted it, and everything is fine between us now.
“I simply got a little triggered at that moment by the numerous questions on the same topic.”
What did Nagelsmann say about Undav?
Speaking at the time after Undav talked up his performance, Nagelsmann responded: “If he’s been running for 70 minutes beforehand, I don’t know if he’d put it away like that.
“It was a long stride, which, after 70 minutes – especially considering the summer heat and 42-degree temperatures – could be difficult for him.
“He puts himself under pressure with his statements.
“If he can handle that, that’s very good. I didn’t think his performance was good until the goal. He only touched the ball once before scoring.”
What did Undav say?
Triggering such a response, the Stuttgart man said: “I’ve had a conversation with the national coach. I know my role.
“But goals like these might change my role.
“I’m simply trying to accept my role and keep going, give it my all, score goals for the team. That’s the most important thing.”
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