Lothar Matthäus questions Nagelsmann's call-up following Lennart Karl's injury
After Lennart Karl was ruled out of the World Cup due to injury, Lothar Matthäus expressed disagreement with Julian Nagelsmann's decision to call up Assan Ouedraogo as his replacement.
National team manager Julian Nagelsmann has filled a vacant spot in the squad by calling up RB Leipzig youngster Assan Ouedraogo following the injury-enforced exit of Lennart Karl. The 20-year-old, who has one senior cap, was chosen for his versatility in attacking roles.
"Like Lenny, Assan came in and impressed right away. He is highly talented and should play with courage and freedom," Nagelsmann stated regarding the selection.
However, Lothar Matthäus has openly questioned the decision, noting that Ouedraogo missed significant portions of the previous season due to a knee injury. "There would certainly have been other players available. I don't entirely agree with Julian Nagelsmann. I would probably have chosen someone else," the former international told German media.
Matthäus argued that the squad needed defensive reinforcement rather than another attacker, specifically highlighting the lack of a recognized deputy for captain Joshua Kimmich at right-back. He suggested that Josha Vagnoman of VfB Stuttgart or Ridle Baku of VfL Wolfsburg would have been more logical choices to bolster the backline.