Waiver of DFB appointment? Goalkeeper Leno explains his view

According to his own statement, goalkeeper Bernd Leno has rejected a nomination for the national soccer team’s upcoming Nations League games. The 32-year-old from Premier League club FC Fulham told the “Bild” newspaper that he spoke on the phone with national coach Julian Nagelsmann and goalkeeping coach Andreas Kronenberg: “They told me that I would be there, but I didn’t get a game.” That’s why I decided to train in London.”

The former Bundesliga professional has so far made nine appearances for the DFB team, which will play against the Netherlands this Friday (8.45 p.m./RTL) in Bosnia-Herzegovina and three days later in Munich. He was one of the substitutes behind Manuel Neuer and Marc-André ter Stegen for years. After Neuer’s resignation and Ter Stegen’s serious knee injury, Nagelsmann will rely on Oliver Baumann (34) and Alexander Nübel (28), both of whom have not yet played an international match, in the October games. The third goalkeeper in the squad is Janis Blaswich (33rd).

“Julian knows that of course I’m always there when they need me and I can really help the team,” said Leno, who is in Fulham, according to the “Bild” newspaper. “At 32 years old, I’m no longer a newcomer, I’ve never made demands on Manuel and Marc, but I’ve always delivered and never said anything.”

Experts criticized Leno’s waiver

After “all my games in the Bundesliga, Premier League and internationally, Julian and Andreas know what they have in me,” said Leno, who last played for Germany in September 2021. “It will always be a great honor for me to play for the national team and that remains my goal.”

Former European champion Fredi Bobic and former national goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller had previously criticized Nagelsmann’s goalkeeper selection. “I miss Bernd Leno completely. “I have no understanding why he’s not there,” said Bobic in “Triple – the Schüttflix Football Talk” on Sky. Weidenfeller said: “In my opinion, Bernd Leno has the most international experience.” (…) For me, Bernd Leno is definitely a national goalkeeper who has to be in the squad.”

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