"Zero understanding!"

Nomination of Salzburg pro causes a stir

Julian Nagelsmann (right) brings Salzburg keeper Janis Blaswich into the DFB squad. This causes a lot of incomprehension among our neighbors.(Bild: GEPA pictures)

Julian Nagelsmann's DFB squad is causing a stir. Above all, the nomination of Salzburg keeper Janis Blaswich is causing astonishment. Did Fulham's Bernd Leno deserve it more?

While Blaswich has not cut a good figure in the Salzburg shirt of late, Leno is one of the best keepers in the Premier League. He has kept goal for Fulham FC since 2022. 

Bernd Leno(Bild: GEPA)

"I miss Bernd Leno completely. I don't understand why he's not there," said legend Fredi Bobic in the Sky show "Triple - der Schüttflix Fußballtalk". "Maybe we don't have anyone in the 'world class' category at the moment, which is very difficult after goalkeepers like Manuel Neuer and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, but we should still decide as quickly as possible which path we want to take." In his view, the mix in the DFB squad is "not right at all".

Surprise from Weidenfeller
There is support from Roman Weidenfeller. Leno has "the greatest international experience", emphasized the ex-BVB keeper. "I'm extremely surprised that he's not playing a role at all now. For me, Bernd Leno is definitely a national goalkeeper who has to be in the squad."

Fans demand Schlager
But Blaswich was chosen instead. The goalkeeper, who is on loan from RB Leipzig, was nominated as the third keeper alongside Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nübel. Blaswich had cut a poor figure when conceding a goal in Salzburg's 4-0 defeat to Stade Brest in the Champions League this week, prompting fans to call for Alexander Schlager in the Bulls' goal.

A newcomer in the squad
Blaswich was last in the German squad in November 2023. Germany are missing Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who was chosen to replace the retiring Manuel Neuer, due to injury. For the games against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands, national coach Nagelsmann also nominated a newcomer in Tim Kleindienst from Mönchengladbach. Defender Antonio Rüdiger from Real Madrid and striker Serge Gnabry from FC Bayern Munich are back in the squad.