Watford goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann has admitted it was “strong slap in the face” to be left out of Austria’s squad for this international break.
That’s something the shot stopper has admitted to Krone, claiming that they were even questioning what had happened at Vicarage Road.
Bachmann has been the undisputed number one for Watford in the Championship this season, featuring in 100% of the available minutes in the league so far.
That, though, was not enough to earn him a call-up to Ralf Rangnick’s squad, with the Austria boss instead calling up Patrick Pentz.
That was a decision Bachmann did not see coming and he admits he did take the news as something of a blow.
“I was more than surprised, of course extremely disappointed,” he told the newspaper.
“For me, that’s a strong slap in the face. At Watford they were shocked, asking me what I did.
“I have to respect it; I was hoping that I could influence it with performance. But I don’t waste energy on things that I can’t influence. I really want to play for Austria. I’m always available.”
Only Rangnick knows why he left out Bachmann from this latest squad, although the goalkeeper thinks it may have something to do with Watford’s form this season.
They had been expected to battle for the title this but have instead found themselves suffering from inconsistent form that has left them tenth in the table and five points outside the top six.
That’s already seen them move onto their third manager of the campaign in Chris Wilder, and Bachmann believes that’s played a part in his omission.
“We’re having a difficult season, we can’t score any goals,” he added.
“On paper, we were the clear favourites for the title. Nothing is impossible, I’ve experienced everything in the league.
“I’m playing the best season of my life. But I can only do my job.”
