Credit: Tung Manh Phan

Cameron Smith

Tue 31 March 2026 13:40, UK

Leeds United midfielder Anton Stach is having a hard time under Julian Nagelsmann with Germany.

Stach joined Leeds from TSG Hoffenheim last summer, and has continued to impress during his debut year in England – forcing Nagelsmann’s hand when it comes to a first call-up to the national team since 2022.

Despite being one of the most influential German midfielders this season, the Nationalmannschaft boss has remained critical of the Leeds man, having previously questioned his defensive abilities during a rather baffling interview.

Leeds fans are not alone in their criticisms of Nagelsmann, who has come under fire across Germany for multiple decisions as of late, dampening the positivity that was restored after the 2024 European Championship campaign on home soil.

When it comes to Stach’s most recent omission from the lineup, the decision may have nothing to do with on-pitch ability at all.

Germany vs Ghana venue had a big say in Nagelsmann substitutions

Following a 4-3 win against Switzerland on Friday – a match in which Stach played just over 10 minutes – the four-time world champions hosted Ghana as the respective sides prepare for the upcoming World Cup.

Taking place at Stuttgart’s Neckarstadion, the venue of Germany’s 2-1 quarter-final defeat against Spain two years ago, Nagelsmann made the decision to deploy all five home favourites at some point in the second half.

With shot-stopper Alexander Nubel and midfield maestro Angelo Stiller starting from the off, the home crowd had two of their favourites to cheer on, while the name of Deniz Undav was chanted for the entirety of the first-half, with the 23-goal striker sitting on the bench.

Undav has been a hot topic as of late, with the forward still operating as a back-up to Nick Woltemade and Kai Havertz – both of whom are completely out of form for both club and country.

The 29-year-old would arrive in the second half, and score the winner in the dying moments, while Chris Fuhrich and Josha Vagnoman also came on for the final 30 minutes.

Pascal Gross had come on for the once again disappointing Leon Goretzka in the 61st minute, while Stuttgart’s Stiller had been replaced by teammate Vagnoman – allowing Joshua Kimmich to step into midfield.

The simple fact of the matter is that Stach was ignored in this instance, despite impressing in the few minutes handed to him in Basel last time out, simply to allow the home representatives minutes on the pitch.

While fantastic for those present, the move appeared to be nothing more than a decision to appease the crowd, rather than to analyse anything tactical – further frustrating the German fanbase in the aftermath, with Vagnoman in particular being caught out massively as Ghana found themselves level in the second-half.

Leeds fans are not on their own with Julian Nagelsmann criticism

When it comes to the decisions of Nagelsmann, Leeds fans are naturally not on their own with their criticism.

Despite the aforementioned Undav carrying the best goal record of any German this term, he is being overlooked by his manager, sparking intense criticism.

This comes at the same time as the continued selections of Leroy Sane, Goretzka, Havertz and more, while the likes of Said El Mala, Karim Adeyemi, Maximilian Beier and more are left without a chance of making the summer squad.

Ahead of the World Cup, Nagelsmann has seemingly decided his lineup already, and it is far from based on form.

Stach, alongside others, are likely to find themselves very unfortunate to miss out following the squad announcement in May, with the coming months unlikely to make any real difference as to who makes the Stateside trip.

Leeds fans will be happy to know that it is not just themselves baffled by the treatment of Stach, with German fans far from convinced by their manager, who could well make his own bed regarding his job over the summer.