Nagelsmann’s blunt warning to Sane hints at Germany’s World Cup push

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Julian Nagelsmann, Germany's head coach, sent a firm message to Leroy Sane, warning that his chances to prove himself with the national team have begun to dwindle under his tenure. The remarks came as the squad gathered in Wolfsburg for the final two European qualifying fixtures toward the 2026 World Cup.

According to Sky Germany, Nagelsmann is not 100% satisfied with Sane's form since his move to Galatasaray, and says the 29-year-old's call-up is partly due to a lack of wing options. "If we had six or seven players in this position, it would be much tougher for him," he said.

Improvement but still room to grow

Nagelsmann says the relationship with Sane has been "very good, reciprocal and fully transparent," and that the player realises what's expected. "He is a player with all the potential, but he has to give his all, and nobody can help him but himself."

Sane has 70 international caps and 14 goals, and returns to the squad for the first time since June in preparation for Luxembourg and Slovakia in the qualifiers.

"In terms of attributes, he has everything we need in this role, which is why we are giving him the opportunity now. He has improved in the Turkish league and the Champions League, but still needs additional steps to reach his best, with us or with his club."

Sane is regarded as one of the most talented players of his generation, though his fluctuation in recent seasons has sparked debate. After a standout spell with Bayern Munich, he couldn't maintain his form and has been trying to regain it with Galatasaray, gradually showing improvements on both physical and technical fronts.

Nagelsmann hopes Sane will again have the decisive edge in front of goal and become a core attacking element for the national team as the World Cup approaches.

Germany's World Cup preparations

According to Sky Sports, Germany are set to play a friendly with Switzerland in March, with details still to be finalised. The German FA is also in talks with the United States for a cross-continental friendly, while the squad will face Finland in Mainz on 31 May, with the final warm-up match to be determined by qualification results and the group draw.

Germany squad

Last Thursday Nagelsmann announced the squad for the fifth and final round of qualifiers, including the 19-year-old Said Malla from Cologne for the first time, while several notable players were left out. "He must show himself with total spontaneity and a light heart with us," the coach said of the call-up.

The squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Noah Atopulo (Freiburg) - Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim) - Vin Damin (Augsburg) - Alexander Nobel (Stuttgart).

Defenders: Valdemar Anton (Dortmund) - Ridell Bako (Leipzig) - Nathaniel Brown (Eintracht Frankfurt) - Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich) - Felix Nmecha (Dortmund) - Alexander Pavlovic (Bayern Munich) - David Raum (Leipzig) - Nico Schlotterbeck (Dortmund) - Jonathan Taah (Bayern Munich) - Malik Thiao (Newcastle United).

Midfielders: Karim Ademi (Dortmund) - Nadim Ameri (Mainz) - Jonathan Burkardt (Frankfurt) - Said Malla (Köln) - Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich) - Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich) - Jam Luyeling (Stuttgart).

Forwards: Leroy Sane (Galatasaray) - Kevin Shade (Brentford) - Florian Vertz (Liverpool) - Nick Voldemade (Newcastle United).

World Cup qualifying run

The German campaign began with a loss to Slovakia (0-2), then a 3-1 win over Ireland, followed by a 4-0 win over Luxembourg, and a 1-0 away victory against Ireland in the previous round. Germany sit top of the group with 9 points from three wins and one defeat, ahead on goal difference of Slovakia. Ireland are third with 6 points, while Luxembourg remain at the bottom without points.