"It was an unnecessary comment" – Nagelsmann reveals he has apologised to Deniz Undav

"It was an unnecessary comment" – Nagelsmann reveals he has apologised to Deniz Undav

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann made headlines last month after controversially criticising Deniz Undav following VfB Stuttgart’s 2-1 win over Ghana, in which the striker came off the bench to score the winner.

“He did what he often does in Stuttgart. He wasn't very involved, I don't think he was at all until then. But then he scored, that's what he's there for," Nagelsmann said.

“That's the crucial thing, that he can take chances when the opponent is a bit tired. He did what a goalscorer has to do. But as I said before: I think if he already has 70 minutes in his legs, then it will be difficult,” he continued.

Speaking to MagentaTV, Nagelsmann now reveals that he has apologised to Undav for the remarks he made.

“It was not right, and in the way it was phrased, it was far too blunt for the public. I said: ‘That was stupid of me, I’m sorry,'" Nagelsmann revealed.

He explained that he came to realise his mistake after discussing it with his wife, Lena.

“She is someone who reflects me very well and naturally tells me straight to my face when something wasn’t good. For example, Deniz Undav. I told her I would call him, and she said, 'yes, I would advise you to do that as well.' That sums it up," said Nagelsmann.

“It was an unnecessary comment, and I apologised directly to Deniz the next day. Thankfully he accepted it, and everything is completely fine between us,” he said, adding that he had been “a bit triggered in the moment by many repeated questions about the same topic.”

Last month, Nagelsmann said that Undav’s role as a substitute was “unlikely” to change heading into the World Cup, but he is now softening that stance.

“It (Undav's role) can always change – but that applies not only to Deniz, but to all players," underlined the Germany coach.