Tug of war continues

Nagelsmann or Rangnick? Wanner chooses “Both!”

Paul Wanner (center) is being courted by Julian Nagelsmann (left) and Ralf Rangnick.(Bild: GEPA)

Paul Wanner from FC Heidenheim is leaving his national team future open. It will be interesting to see who he chooses, Wanner told the streaming service DAZN on Sunday after the 0-0 draw in the German Bundesliga against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. 

There is a tug-of-war between the German and Austrian associations over Wanner. The 18-year-old is currently playing for Germany's U21 team.

Born in Dornbirn, the son of a German father and an Austrian mother, Wanner has not yet decided whether he wants to play for the national team for Germany or the country of his birth. "From both, from both. That's all I'll say," Wanner replied when asked which playing philosophy he liked better - that of Germany's national coach Julian Nagelsmann or Austria coach Ralf Rangnick.

Wanner, who is on loan to Heidenheim from FC Bayern Munich, has had a strong Bundesliga season so far. Nagelsmann is said to be impressed by the attacking player, and Rangnick has already allowed the young star to train with the national team in November 2022.