BVB star Marcel Sabitzer conserves his energy with a surprising pause

The 32‑year‑old midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, BVB star and Bundesliga player for Borussia Dortmund, will not be available for the Nations League because he is taking a surprising break after an intense two years. In trusting talks with head coach Ralf Rangnick he agreed to conserve his energy.

Intense years and an upcoming gradual farewell

Sabitzer, the 102‑cap international with 27 goals, describes the past two years as very intense. “I am 32 years old, want to play a few more years at the highest level and have to manage my energy carefully,” he emphasizes. The farewell is happening gradually, he explains.

In open and trusting talks he has agreed with head coach Ralf Rangnick to take a break now. They will discuss at the beginning of the coming year whether he will be available for the national team again for the EURO qualification. Sabitzer stresses that he can fully understand the decision of the team leader.

The Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund has a tight schedule, which includes further Nations League matches against Israel, Kosovo and Ireland. Rangnick will name the squad for these Nations League games on Monday. For the BVB team the absence of the star midfielder means additional strain.

Rangnick explains that he can fully understand the considerations of his team leader. “In any case, I am pleased that Marcel will basically be available again when we need him,” he said. That shows how important the national team still is for the player.

The decision marks a gradual farewell, but Sabitzer remains open to a comeback. At the beginning of next year it will be examined whether he can return for the EURO qualification. Until then he is focusing on preserving his energy and his further career at BVB.