Julian Nagelsmann and Bayern Munich loanee Paul Wanner seem to share the same sentiment about player development and patience. It is clear that Paul Wanner sees a future with both Austria and Germany, but needs to decide eventually. Wanner officially declined a senior call-up to Germany for the first time, and has declined Austria’s call several times.
Julian Nagelsmann seemed more than understanding about the wonderkid’s decision. The coach seemed disappointed but accepting of the dual-national’s decision.
“He wouldn’t have been able to make a big impression now anyway. He’s under 23 – you need more than just two games. Of course I would have been happy if he were here: that’s why we wanted to call him up,” Julian Nagelsmann stated (as captured by iMiaSanMia).
Nagelsmann does not yet seem stressed about Wanner’s absence but knows it’ll only get harder to ignore as the player develops. In the end, Nagelsmann wants Wanner to decide Germany for the right reasons. “I’m not worried because I think it’s a personal decision which country he wants to play for. I don’t want a player to decide because he thinks he has a better chance of playing time for one nation. That’s completely the wrong approach because it’s about the heart,” added Nagelsmann.
It is clear that Nagelsmann has Wanner on the horizon for the FIFA World Cup in 2026, but is in no rush to make him a leading contributor. Nagelsmann believes the fact he is a dual-national is creating additional hype, and that Wanner wouldn’t otherwise be getting so much attention. Both parties will surely make a decision at some point in 2025 for what is best.
Looking for some chatter on where Bayern Munich stands at the moment, how Jamal Musiala might be close to taking “the leap”, and our thoughts on the latest German national team call-ups? Great, then check out the Bavarian Podcast Works Show on Patreon, Spotify, or below:
