World Cup participation: Nagelsmann demands more from Gruda and Baku

Federal team coach Julian Nagelsmann has demanded a significant improvement in performance from some of RB Leipzig's World Cup candidates in order for them to be nominated. In an interview with "Kicker", the 38-year-old spoke about the long-injured Benjamin Henrichs, his direct right-back rival Ridle Baku, Brighton loanee Brajan Gruda and the currently injured Assan Ouédraogo. Only RB captain David Raum, who is probably set to play, was not mentioned.

Since his return to Germany, Gruda has been more in the national coach's sights. "In the end, it's about getting more goals and assists from him. That's still not enough for his quality," said Nagelsmann. In four Bundesliga appearances so far, Gruda has recorded one goal and one assist.

Vagnoman ahead of Henrichs and Baku

In addition, Nagelsmann apparently wants the midfielder to develop mentally. Gruda was already part of the DFB's preparation camp ahead of Euro 2024, but was ultimately not nominated. "He brings a lot to the table, but I don't think he really understood back then that he had the chance to play at a home European Championship," said the former RB coach.

Leipzig have two World Cup candidates on the right-hand side of defence. But here Nagelsmann sees a Stuttgart player in front. "Not everyone is at the top of their game in the league. Benni Henrichs still needs a bit of time after his serious injury, and he's not playing regularly either. Ridle Baku isn't quite at the same level as in the first half of the season," said Nagelsmann. Josha Vagnoman is in good physical shape and is someone who "almost always plays at VfB and does it well."

Probably no chance for Ouédraogo

Nagelsmann was even more cautious about Ouédraogo's chances in the squad. The 19-year-old is a very good player and a fine person. "He's already had a lot of injuries, a lot of muscular issues, so we'll have to wait and see," said Nagelsmann. "It remains to be seen whether it will work out for the World Cup, because he'll be out for a long time again."

In any case, Ouédraogo is a player for the future of the DFB. The midfielder is currently out until the end of March with a knee injury and will therefore miss the last two international matches before the provisional squad nomination.