Leeds United midfielder Anton Stach has taken aim at German coach Julian Nagelsmann after he was left out of the squad for the recent international break.
Nine Leeds United players linked up with their countries in the recent pause in the Premier League season, with mixed fortunes across the board.
However, midfielder Anton Stach was not one of them as he was left out of the Germany squad for their recent qualifiers against Northern Ireland and Luxembourg.
Stach has been one of Leeds’ most impressive performers to date this season, with his brilliant free-kick against Wolves the highlight of a string of strong displays under Daniel Farke.
But this was not enough to earn Stach a place in the German squad, and the Leeds midfielder has now questioned head coach Julian Nagelsmann, claiming he has not contacted him to explain his omission.
Leeds United midfielder Anton Stach
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Leeds United star questions national team coach
Speaking to Sky Sports Germany, Stach was asked about the decision not to include him in the Germany squad for their recent friendlies.
According to Stach, he has had no communication from Nagelsmann and has no idea how close he is to making the squad in the next international break.
Stach said: “There was no communication so far. I found it a bit of a shame, I have to say, because if there is no communication at all, then of course you also have the feeling that you are very, very far away from the team, so it doesn’t even come into question.
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“I wouldn’t have wished for anyone to contact me, but of course, it’s nice when someone tells you, ah, that’s the reason, or you’re not doing so well, or that’s why you’re not being taken with you.
“Because I also had the feeling that I’m in really good form, and they would definitely be happy about that.
“I can still play at six. It’s not like I can only play in a double six. It’s just that I’m the more offensive player. But I think I can still do it. I can play it.”
Anton Stach, playing for Leeds United vs Everton - Premier League
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Anton Stach has not given up on making the World Cup
With the 2026 World Cup now looming large on the horizon, Leeds’ internationals are desperate to prove their point to their respective national team coaches.
Stach currently has two international caps to his name, having last featured for Germany in a brief cameo in the Nations League against Italy in 2022.
However, he has enjoyed a strong start to life at Leeds, matching a Premier League record set by Eden Hazard, and he could still force his way into the squad with a good season.
Asked if he was confident of making the World Cup squad, Stach added: “That would be a great headline. I would be very happy about it. I work for it every day, as I just said. I just keep going and trying.
“I want to do a little bit more, so that the right people watch and get it. I will do that until the World Cup. Just give it my all.”