Julian Nagelsmann’s role fuels doubts over Deniz Undav’s Stuttgart slump
After an unlucky start to the new season, striker Deniz Undav has been omitted from Jürgen Klopp’s first DFB squad, prompting debate over the role of Julian Nagelsmann in the VfB Stuttgart forward’s creative slump.
Contract extension and captaincy expectations
Undav signed a new deal in early June that runs until 2029, reportedly on unprecedented terms for the Swabian club. Shortly before the campaign began he was handed the captain’s armband by Atakan Karazor, raising expectations dramatically.
Since then the 30‑year‑old has struggled to find his rhythm. In the 1–2 defeat to TSG Hoffenheim he was a substitute, and he has yet to register a goal involvement in the Bundesliga. He did, however, provide two assists in the DFB‑Pokal win over Hansa Rostock and another two in the Champions League tie with Viking Stavanger.
National team omission and expert commentary
Lothar Matthäus, the record Nationalspieler, argued that Nagelsmann bears partial responsibility for Undav’s current form, saying the “theatre” surrounding the coach before the World Cup had inflated expectations. “Three goals, two assists – he was one of the few World Cup bright spots in the German team. At the moment it’s not going so well for him, not only with goals but also with his involvement,” Matthäus told RTL/Sky during a Europa League broadcast.
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Matthäus added that the pressure of becoming captain and signing the “best contract ever” in Stuttgart may have affected Undav’s head, causing him to “let a few percentages slip left or right”. He suggested that this could explain the lack of impact in the opening games.
Klopp explained his exclusion of Undav from the XXL squad of 44 players, saying, “I have spoken with Deniz. He has his small problems and has not found his season yet. I wanted to choose four strikers and for the moment I chose the others.” The selected forwards were Younes Ebnoutalib, Jonathan Burkardt, Nick Woltemade and Kai Havertz.
VfB trainer Sebastian Hoeneß highlighted Undav’s Achilles‑tendon issues but insisted the striker “can play better, he knows that”. He described the situation as “only a question of time” before Undav regains his best form and re‑enters national‑team consideration.
Matthäus remained optimistic, stating, “As I know him, he will try everything and maybe be in the next internationals in November.” The lingering question remains whether Nagelsmann’s earlier decisions will continue to shadow Undav’s resurgence.