Nagelsmann explains Maximilian Mittelstädt omission: door still open for Germany left-back

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has addressed why Maximilian Mittelstädt was left out of the latest national-team squad, stressing the decision is not final. The VfB Stuttgart left-back, who enjoyed a breakout year and featured at Euro 2024, was described as “solid” this season, though Nagelsmann hinted others may be peaking higher right now. With David Raum impressing recently, competition at left-back remains fierce. Nagelsmann’s comment that “the door isn’t closed” signals a merit-based rotation rather than a definitive demotion. Mittelstädt’s consistent Bundesliga form keeps him firmly in contention for upcoming Germany fixtures.

In a pre-match media availability following Germany’s final training session ahead of the next international fixture, head coach Julian Nagelsmann explained the reasoning behind the latest squad choices, including the exclusion of Maximilian Mittelstädt. The coach emphasized ongoing competition for places and form-based selection. Imagery and reports from the national team’s camp highlighted an intense session and a settled core group, underscoring that tactical preferences and current peaks influenced decisions rather than any disciplinary or injury-related concerns.

Nagelsmann on the reason Maximilian Mittelstädt was left out of the squad: "The door isn't closed for Maxi. He knows that. He's not having a bad season either. He's had a bigger peak than the current one. Nevertheless, he's been very solid, with few ups and downs. Things could be

@iMiaSanMia

Impact Analysis

Nagelsmann’s public clarification removes speculation about disciplinary issues and reframes Mittelstädt’s absence as a footballing decision driven by form and tactical fit. For Germany, the immediate impact is a clearer hierarchy at left-back, with David Raum’s recent form arguably tilting the balance for this window. Raum’s profile—aggressive overlaps, early deliveries, set-piece quality—can suit Germany’s current emphasis on width and quick circulation against mid-to-low blocks. However, Mittelstädt’s omission narrows stylistic options in the short term; his calmer progression, tight-space control, and defensive positioning were valuable during Euro 2024 when Germany often needed balance on the flank.

For VfB Stuttgart, the message is mixed. On one hand, a slightly reduced international load may benefit club performance and player freshness. On the other, Mittelstädt’s market prestige and morale can be affected if the narrative morphs into a prolonged national-team absence. Yet Nagelsmann’s “door isn’t closed” line is significant—he’s signaling a dynamic selection policy. If Mittelstädt sustains his Bundesliga levels—first-phase build-up security, clean defensive duels, and improved crossing volume—his pathway back is straightforward.

From a broader squad-building perspective, this keeps Germany’s standards high while preserving healthy competition. It also places pressure on all full-backs to deliver club form that directly translates into international setups. The net effect: a meritocratic environment that could raise the aggregate level in a position historically scrutinized for Germany.

Reaction

Fan sentiment online split into two clear camps. A vocal majority questioned the logic of dropping Mittelstädt, calling it “embarrassing” and “making zero sense,” arguing he has been among Germany’s best performers at left-back over the past year. Several commenters insisted he’s “the best German in his position,” pointing to his consistency and composure in 2024 and the trust built during Euro 2024. This group believes continuity should prevail and that the player’s floor is too high to exclude.

Conversely, a smaller but noticeable contingent framed the decision as performance-driven. They cited a dip against Slovakia and contrasted it with David Raum’s sharp display versus Northern Ireland, positing that recent peaks favored Raum. Some also floated the idea of integrating alternative options to broaden the depth chart, even referencing dual-national dynamics as a strategic long-term play. Amid the debate, typical off-topic spam emerged, underlining the noise that surrounds high-profile national-team calls.

Overall, the temperature is hot: fans want clarity and consistency, while recognizing that Nagelsmann’s meritocracy may cause short-term frustration. The consensus across camps, however, is that Mittelstädt remains close to the squad and one strong club run should swing momentum back his way.

Social reactions

Makes zero sense. He’s been very good in all matches this year. I don’t get it…

C.Hantscher (@cwghantscher)

Clearly this is due to his performance against Slovakia because he wasnt great then and Raum was really good against Northern Ireland and some point Brown had to be integrated to the NT just in case he decides to join the US NT.

jey (@jey41344874)

Lol he is the best German on his position. Not nominating him made no sense whatsoever

Lynel (@StuttgartLynel)

Prediction

Short term, expect Raum to retain the starting nod if he maintains his current delivery accuracy and defensive intensity, particularly against opponents who concede wide spaces. Nagelsmann will likely continue selection by micro-trend—who is peaking in the two to three weeks before a camp. That means Mittelstädt’s path back hinges on producing standout Bundesliga performances with tangible outputs: high-quality final-third entries, low turnover rates under pressure, and improved crossing-to-chance conversion.

Medium term, Germany’s tactical evolution suggests left-back versatility will be prized. In matches requiring control and compact rest defense, Mittelstädt’s calmer build-up and lane discipline offer the staff a different tool than Raum’s high-variance, high-reward approach. Expect at least one call-up in the next window if Stuttgart’s possession metrics and his duel success remain strong.

Longer term, a rotation could solidify where opponent profile dictates the starter: Raum for direct width, Mittelstädt for balance and security. Any emergent challenger would need to surpass these two in both club form and tactical reliability—an imposing benchmark. The most probable scenario is a two-horse race through the next competitive cycle, with form spikes determining camp-to-camp selection rather than a permanent hierarchy.

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Conclusion

Nagelsmann’s explanation reframes the debate: this is about timing, form, and tactical nuance, not a repudiation of Mittelstädt’s quality. Germany gain flexibility by rewarding immediate peaks while keeping a proven Euro 2024 performer within arm’s reach. For Mittelstädt, the response is straightforward—translate Stuttgart consistency into unmistakable pre-camp momentum and he is back in. For fans, frustration is understandable, but the coach’s stance supports a resilient, competitive culture where no shirt is guaranteed.

As cycles progress, both Raum and Mittelstädt should see minutes based on opponent needs and their recent club outputs. That merit-based flux could ultimately strengthen Germany’s left flank, ensuring opponents face a full-back tailored to specific match plans. The door is open; the message is clear: sustain form, elevate peaks, and selection will follow.