Germany coach regrets statements on striker Undav and has apologised

Germany's National team coach Julian Nagelsmann (L) and Deniz Undav stand together on the field after the final whistle of the International friendly soccer match between Germany and Ghana at the MHP Arena. Christian Charisius/dpa

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has apologised for remarks on his striker Deniz Undav which were widely considered disrespectful.

Undav scored a late 2-1 winner against Ghana in a World Cup tune-up match last month, with Nagelsmann suggesting post-match he only scored because he had enough energy having come on as a substitute.

Nagelsmann said on Magenta TV's Bestbesetzung programme in quotes shared to various media before the broadcast later on Thursday that he should not have reacted in this way.

"At that moment I just let myself get a bit carried away by all the questions on the same subject. It wasn’t right, and it was far too blunt for the public. So I said: ‘That was stupid of me, I’m sorry’,” he said.

Nagelsmann said he apologised to VfB Stuttgart player Undav the next day, revealing he was also nudged by his partner to take this step.

"Thankfully, he accepted that, and everything is fine between us," Nagelsmann said.

Undav, who is the most successful German striker this season, had previously called for more playing time on several occasions and dissatisfaction about a planned back-up role at the World Cup in summer in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Nagelsmann now said that this role could still change and "not only concerns Deniz but all players."

Arsenal's Kai Havertz has been Nagelsmann's preferred forward and Nick Woltemade of Newcastle United second choice.

In the interview, Nagelsmann dismissed suggestions that sporting critieria were not the most important in his World Cup squad selection but he said there are also other factors.

Naming a few players as examples, he said: "Deniz Undav has an unbelievable humour. Pascal Gross thinks like a national team coach. Waldemar Anton gets on with everyone and has a good feeling for the group. That's a quiet leader."