Manager responds to former Gunner rejecting international call-up | OneFootball

Julian Nagelsmann has responded to Bernd Leno’s decision to reject a Germany call-up, after the former Gunner made his reasons public this week.

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND: Goalkeeper Bernd Leno catches the ball during a Germany training session ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier match between Northern Ireland and Germany at Windsor Park on September 08, 2019. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images)

Ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno was in line for a Germany call-up over the October international break, but he decided to turn down the opportunity.

Julian Nagelsmann was looking to include Leno following an injury to Marc-Andre ter Stegen, but the goalkeeper wanted guarantees of game time.

“They told me I would be there, but that I wouldn’t get a game,” Leno said. “That’s why I decided to train in London.

“Julian knows that I’m always there when they need me and that I can really help the team. I’ve never put demands on Manuel (Neuer) and Marc (Ter Stegen), I’ve always delivered and never made jokes.

“It will always be a great honour for me to play for the national team and that remains the goal.”

Fulham’s German goalkeeper Bernd Leno looks on during the English Premier League football match between Fulham and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Craven Cottage in London on February 24, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Asked about the situation in a recent press conference, Nagelsmann suggested that Leno’s stance makes future call-ups less likely.

“He made demands that I couldn’t fulfill,” Nagelsmann said (via GGFN). “I showed him an interesting perspective, but he wasn’t so happy with that. Everyone has to decide for themselves.

“I’m not closing the door (on a return to the national team), but that hasn’t opened it very wide either.”

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND: Bernd Leno of Fulham celebrates after teammate Manor Solomon (not pictured) scores the team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Fulham FC at American Express Community Stadium on February 18, 2023. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)

Germany captain Joshua Kimmich has also responded to Leno’s comments, saying: “We want players who are very happy to be there.

“It has to be something very, very special for everyone to be there. Whether you have one hundred international matches or three. Whether you are 34 years old or 19.”

Leno likely would have been involved with Germany at Euro 2024 if not for an unfortunate injury, having featured regularly in the squad over the previous 12 months.

Yet the 32-year-old’s last appearance on the pitch was in September 2021, and he’s only played for the team six times since his first call-up in 2015.

To make six appearances in nine years shows how patient the goalkeeper has had to be. He’s evidently reached the point where he’s only interested in joining the team if there’s some chance he might make it onto the pitch.