Last week, claims from the German press stated that Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno has declined to be part of Julian Nagelsmann’s squad for October’s international break.
West Ham United technical director Tim Steidten believes the 32-year-old shouldn’t have declined to be part of the Germany squad.
Manuel Neuer’s international retirement has seen Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen promoted as Germany’s new No.1. The latter is set for a long spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious injury.
Nagelsmann wanted to include the Fulham stopper in the squad for the upcoming two UEFA Nations League matches. However, Leno has turned it down. Bild caught up with him after Marco Silva’s side suffered a 3-2 defeat against Manchester City last weekend.
The former Arsenal man has revealed he did hold talks with Nagelsmann and Germany goalkeeping coach Andreas Kronenberg. He also explained the reason for not accepting the national team manager’s request.
“Yes, Julian, Andreas and I spoke on the phone. We are very open and honest with each other,” he said.
“They told me that I would be there, but that I wouldn’t get a game. That’s why I decided to train in London. Julian knows that I’m always there when they need me and that I can really help the team. At the age of 32, I’m no longer a newcomer, I’ve never made claims behind Manuel and Marc, I’ve always delivered and never said anything.”
Leno has made six appearances for the national team. He still remains hopeful of playing for Germany in the future.
“After all my games in the Bundesliga, Premier League and internationally, Julian and Andreas know what they have in me. For me it will always be a great honour to play for the national team and that remains my goal,” Leno explained.
He has been the first-choice goalkeeper at Fulham since joining them from the Gunners in August 2022.
