A big bang for the German national team. According to the latest reports, national coach Julian Nagelsmann has called up Bayern youngster Aleksandar Pavlovic to the DFB squad. However, FCB star Leon Goretzka has had to make way for him.
As reported by BILD and Sky, Julian Nagelsmann has decided to leave Leon Goretzka out of the upcoming international matches against France (23 March) and the Netherlands (26 March).
Instead of the 29-year-old veteran, Nagelsmann will nominate another Bayern star: Youngster Aleksandar Pavlovic. Munich’s top talent has been heavily courted by the Serbian Football Association of late, but is now about to make his debut for the German national team.
The squad for the first two international matches of the new year will be officially announced by Nagelsmann on Thursday.
Goretzka must fear for European Championship participation
There have already been numerous rumours in recent weeks that Leon Goretzka is in danger of being dropped from the DFB squad. The Bayern professional had already been dropped by former national team coach Hansi Flick last year, but celebrated his comeback in the national team after Nagelsmann took over.
Goretzka has been in top form in recent games and was one of Bayern’s best performers in the victories against Lazio Roma and Mainz 05. The midfielder scored two goals and set up two others in the 8-1 win over the 05ers.
However, it is clear that Goretzka’s non-nomination is a sign that he will have to fight for his place in the DFB squad in the coming months. Captain Ilkay Gündogan is an absolute fixture under Nagelsmann. Returning player Toni Kroos is also very likely to be given a regular place in the DFB midfield.
In addition to Pavlovic, Pascal Groß and Robert Andrich are also hoping for a place in the German European Championship squad.
