Sema
The Stuttgart striker and captain, Ezidi-descended star Deniz Undav, expressed his deep disappointment after being left out of the German national team squad, while stressing his determination to fight to regain his place in the “Mannschaft” during the next international break in November.
Following Stuttgart’s 1–0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund, Undav revealed that he was shocked by the decision. He said he had believed his previous international appearances and record with the national team had given him enough credit to earn another opportunity, but he now finds himself having to prove his worth to the coaching staff once again.
The Stuttgart striker explained that Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann had told him that the expectations and standards had changed, and that his performances in the two matches Nagelsmann had recently watched—against Bayern Munich and Köln—had not met the required standard for national-team selection.
Despite Undav’s difficult start to the season with Stuttgart, having played six competitive matches without scoring, the 30-year-old striker stressed that he would not give up and would continue working hard to earn a return to the national team.
Undav enjoyed an outstanding season last year, contributing to 39 goals for his club. He also has an impressive international record with Germany, having scored nine goals in 13 appearances, including three goals in four World Cup matches.