“I was in shock”: This Nagelsmann decision stunned Mario Basler.
Julian Nagelsmann travels to his first international matches as national coach with a few surprises in the DFB squad. The new national coach’s choice of players didn’t convince everyone at the start.
Julian Nagelsmann (36) initially started his role as interim national coach with a lot of tailwind. At the beginning of his trip to the USA, however, the first ex-professional to express critical words about the DFB’s hope for the home European Championship in 2024.
After there had been praise and support from football greats such as Uli Hoeneß (71), Lothar Matthäus (62) and Jürgen Klopp (56), there was also criticism from experts just in time for the start of the first international break as national coach.
Mario Basler is critical of Julian Nagelsmann’s nominations
On Monday, Mario Basler (54) expressed himself more clearly than any former national player before about the occupation of the DFB entourage, which had left Frankfurt for the United States at the same time. Duels against the USA (Saturday, 9 p.m.) and Mexico (Wednesday, October 18, 2 a.m.) are on the program in the coming days.
Basler doesn’t believe that things will look better than in the final phase under Nagelsmann’s predecessor Hansi Flick (58). In his podcast “Basler Ballert” he railed with his usual clarity, particularly criticizing the former Bayern coach’s first nominations.
“I have to be honest and say that I’m sometimes at a loss for words,” said Basler and then added: “I can’t understand what you’re thinking at all. I’m speechless. I was in shock. If I’m being completely honest, I was in total shock.”
Above all, this meant two names that Nagelsmann trusted at the beginning of his home European Championship mission: world champion Mats Hummels (34) as a returnee and late starter Kevin Behrens (32) as a debutant.
Mario Basler shows no understanding for Mats Hummels’ DFB comeback
Basler, who had repeatedly criticized Hummels in the past, initially praised his strong form. Looking ahead, he also emphasized: “I can’t really understand it now because, with the best will in the world, I can’t imagine that Mats Hummels will be in the home European Championship team next year, when he’s a year older should play.”
When he saw the squad, he thought he was “in the wrong movie,” emphasized Basler, who was also surprised by the temporary exclusion of BVB colleague Nico Schlotterbeck (23) in favor of Hummels’ nomination. The last time the veteran was in action for Germany was at the 2021 European Championships; he had not played an international match under Flick.
What Basler also showed no understanding for: the initial appointment of Union Berlin attacker Kevin Behrens. The storm tank, who is strong in the air, can currently also prove himself in the Champions League. After the fabulous start with three goals against Mainz 05, the center forward has now recorded seven competitive games without a goal.
“So I would have understood if they had taken him with them last season because Union played well. But now to take him with us, who has lost seven games in a row…”, Basler doubted the choice of Nagelsmann, who has nominated another classic center forward in Niclas Füllkrug (30).
