Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann sprung a few surprises with his latest squad, not least naming a international player for Latvia in the list of stars he was calling up
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann sprung a few surprises with his latest squad, not least naming a international player for Latvia in the list of stars he was calling up Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann sprung a few surprises with his latest squad, not least naming a international player for Latvia in the list of stars he was calling up
The German FA have been left red-faced after naming a player from Latvia in their squad for next week’s Nations League games.
Germany host Bosnia & Herzegovina before travelling to Hungary for their final outings in the group stage of this year’s competition. Before those games though, the DFB have been forced to issue an embarrassing clarification to their squad list.
When naming the players who have been called up for the latest camp, Julian Nageslmann bizarrely appeared to include Dutch second division star Dario Sits. The 20-year-old is currently on loan at Helmond Sport from Serie A side Parma.
Even more curious is the fact that Sits is actually from Latvia and played against Germany in an Under-21s game two years ago. His name was quickly removed from the squad list after the DFB realised the error.
According to the Associated Press, the federation have blamed “a technical error in the database” as the reason for Sits’ shock call-up. Sits has already earned two caps for Latvia and would be ineligible to play for Germany.
In fact, he has been called up to the Latvia squad for this month’s games where they face North Macedonia and Armenia. As well as the Sits error, Nagelsmann is also dealing with the fact that Heidenheim star Paul Wanner has declined a call-up for this month’s games.
While Sits was an obvious mistake, Nagelsmann has actually sprung a few surprises with his selection. Manchester City backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega could win his first cap with Barcelona’s Marc-Andr ter Stegen out for the season.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Who will win the Nations League? Comment below.
(
Image:
Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
Arsenal forward Kai Havertz and Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala also return after missing Germany’s last games with injuries. Germany are already assured of a place in the Nations League quarter-finals, which take place in March.
The draw for the finals will be held at the end of November. But while his side cannot be caught in their group, Nagelsmann is looking to end this stage of the competition on a high.
“After reaching the quarter-finals early, we want to complete the group victory in the Nations League – if possible in front of our fans at the home game in Freiburg,” he said when naming his squad.
“Reaching the Final Four for the first time is an important interim goal for us next year on the way to the 2026 World Cup. We have a strong squad together, even if we have to restructure some positions due to injuries.
“Waldemar Anton should also get fully fit again at the club first, Leroy Sané needs more match practice and rhythm after his break. Felix Nmecha has stabilized at BVB and, like Julian Brandt, is back after recent good performances.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Learn more
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £240 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Mirror – Sport
