Logo Die Sachsen News
  • Thursday, May 7, 2026
Logo Die Sachsen News
Logo Die Sachsen News
News / Sports

World Cup participation: Nagelsmann demands more from Gruda and Baku

Leipzig 02. March 2026 09:29 Uhr 3 Min
World Cup participation: Nagelsmann demands more from Gruda and Baku
Brajan Gruda (l) came to Leipzig from England during the winter break / Photo: Gregor Fischer/dpa
From: DieSachsen News
National coach Nagelsmann speaks plainly: Brajan Gruda should score more goals, Ridle Baku and Benjamin Henrichs must improve. Which Leipzig player still has a chance of making the World Cup?

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.

More from this category

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.

Copyright 2026, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved

more Sports
The translations are automated with the help of AI. We look forward to your feedback and your help in improving our multilingual service. Write to us at: language@diesachsen.com.

Topics :

Soccer Bundesliga Saxony RB Leipzig Germany Leipzig
Sachsen News
Article from

Sachsen News

Sachsen News is responsible for the content itself. The platform's code of conduct applies. The platform checks and treats content in accordance with the legal requirements, in particular the NetzDG.

Social Media

To the profile

Projekt Saxony Today : Mehrsprachigkeit von regionalen Nachrichten für in Sachsen lebende Menschen ohne deutsche Muttersprache. Projekt wird gefördert durch die Sächsische Landesanstalt für privaten Rundfunk und neue Medien. Diese Maßnahme wird mitfinanziert durch Steuermittel auf Grundlage des vom Sächsischen Landtag beschlossenen Haushaltes.
Projekt Saxony Today : Mehrsprachigkeit von regionalen Nachrichten für in Sachsen lebende Menschen ohne deutsche Muttersprache. Projekt wird gefördert durch die Sächsische Landesanstalt für privaten Rundfunk und neue Medien. Diese Maßnahme wird mitfinanziert durch Steuermittel auf Grundlage des vom Sächsischen Landtag beschlossenen Haushaltes.