"Unfortunately not possible"

Nagelsmann wanted ex-Sturm player for DFB team

Julian Nagelsmann(Bild: GEPA)

Julian Nagelsmann would have liked to see Monaco striker Mika Biereth in the DFB jersey. The coach of the German national soccer team confirmed this on Thursday when nominating the squad for the Nations League quarter-final against Italy. 

However, the former Sturm Graz player, whose father has roots in Germany, will continue to play for Denmark. "We've looked into it carefully, but unfortunately it's not possible," said Nagelsmann.

Legal requirements are missing
Biereth has been playing for the Danish U21s since March 2023, and Monaco coach Adi Hütter's player was already over 21 years old when he last played. He also already has two nationalities, Danish and German. "It is no longer possible for us to create the legal conditions for him to play for Germany," emphasized Nagelsmann, adding that the 22-year-old would not have been nominated for the matches against Italy on 20 and 23 March anyway. "But we have thought about him."

Nagelsmann added that Biereth had not decided against Germany, as had been reported in some quarters. "I think he would have loved to play for Germany."

Biereth is now in the Denmark squad for the Nations League match against Portugal. The attacker could also have played for his native England. His father also has German as well as Danish heritage.