dpGermany attacker Deniz Undav is likely to be on the bench for the World Cup opener against Curaçao on Sunday, but he did hear the commentary from Thomas Müller and Jürgen Klopp stating that he should start over Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala. The VfB Stuttgart goal scorer appreciated the sentiment.
“First of all, I was very pleased. That shows I’m doing something right. The coach has many options. In the end, it doesn’t matter who starts. You can rely on those who will play. But I was happy to hear that from the two of them. And now we’ll see who plays,” Undav said (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “I think it’s good because Thomas knows a lot about football. If he has something to criticize or praise, then it’s probably well-founded. I’m happy when someone like Thomas criticizes or praises me. If he criticizes me, then of course he does it with a good intention, so that I can do better next time. Therefore: No matter what Thomas says, he’s entitled to it.”
Undav responded to the situation as smoothly and directly as he could, but Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has been known to be sensitive at times. Bild already reported that the manager will not change his mind on Musiala and ride the hot hand of Undav.
Against Curaçao, it likely will not matter, but tougher games do lie ahead.
