Julian Nagelsmann has come under fire for insisting that Leroy Sané earns a place in Germany's World Cup squad despite a season that many would describe as merely average.
Why Sané Deserves the Spot
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the tournament, the Bayern Munich coach reminded reporters of the criteria he uses when assembling his roster, emphasizing that consistent competitive minutes in a top league are a prerequisite for selection.
Sané, who joined Galatasaray from Bayern in the summer, managed seven goals and nine assists across 43 appearances for the Turkish champions, numbers that on paper look solid but have been viewed by some analysts as modest given the player's pedigree.
However, Nagelsmann pointed to a different metric: the winger's recent impact with the national team, where he has contributed five goal involvements in his last four matches, a stretch that includes two goals and three assists.
The coach also highlighted the intangible qualities that Sané brings, noting that his speed, technical flair and ability to stretch defenses create space for teammates such as Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz.
Critics have questioned whether those attributes are enough to offset a lack of regular top‑flight minutes, but Nagelsmann argues that the player's familiarity with the German setup and his chemistry with fellow forwards could prove decisive in tight games.
The upcoming World Cup fixture against a side that employs deep‑lying defensive structures offers a perfect stage for Sané to showcase his dribbling and crossing prowess, a scenario the coach believes will test the value of his selection.
Whether the gamble pays off will be judged not only by the scoreline but also by how the team's dynamics evolve in the weeks that follow, a narrative that will keep German fans and pundits alike watching closely.