Germany boss falls out with former Arsenal custodian over... former Arsenal custodian

Heated situation surrounds the German national team ahead of the UEFA Nations League match against Bosnia and Herzegovina (21.45). And all that because of - goalkeepers. Namely, not long after Marc-Andre ter Stegen awaited the chance to become the first choice in Die Manschaft's lineup, he unfortunately suffered a severe knee injury, and the season is probably over for him.

Hence, the starting custodian's position remained open. Former German international and Arsenal legend Jens Lehmann spoke to Bild and commented on the matter, stating his favourite for the spot between the posts.

"Clearly: Bernd Leno," said he.

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And nothing would have been wrong with the 54-year-old's choice if Leno had not turned down the invitation to join the national team since he wasn't guaranteed playing time.

"They told me that I would be there, but that I wouldn't get a game. That's why I decided to train in London. Julian knows that I'm always there when they need me and that I can really help the team. At 32 years old, I'm no longer a newcomer, I've never put demands on Manuel and Marc, I've always delivered and never made jokes," Fulham keeper previously explained his decision to Bild.

Upon hearing of the cancellation, Lehmann took Leno's side.

"I would have done the same if I were in his position. I assumed that Leno and ter Stegen would compete for the number 1 spot after Manuel Neuer's retirement," said Jens.

Finally, it was Julian Nagelsmann's turn to say something on the matter at yesterday's press conference. The 37-year-old strategist initially clarified the situation around Leno.

"In the end, I live with Bernd's explanation. It's relatively simple, he made demands in the conversation that I couldn't fulfill. That's why I showed him a very interesting perspective that is not in the short term, but in the medium term. But he wasn't happy with that, so he decided not to come. In the end, everyone has to decide for themselves how they want to do it. Bernd decided that. I'm not going to close the door now. But it hasn't opened any further either. But if he plays outstandingly and the others don't, the door can open further again. He's not 25 anymore, he has a certain maturity to evaluate things, so he's welcome to do that for himself," explained Nagelsmann, as per Bild.

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However, he did not neglect Lehmann's comments and slammed the retired custodian.

"Many so-called experts have commented on this. Another expert this morning. It's always good to know the background before you say something," Nagelsmann said.

After Leno's cancellation, Germany's head coach opted for Stuttgart's Alexander Nubel, Oliver Baumann of Hoffenheim, and Red Bull Salzburg's Janis Blaswich. Given that none of the three made a cap for the national team, Die Manschaft will have at least one debutant in the starting 11 tonight against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE A

Thursday

Israel - France 1-4 (1-2)

/Gandelman 24 - Camavinga 6, Nkunku 28, Guendouzi 87, Barcola 89/

Italy - Belgium 2-2 (2-1)

/Cambiaso 1, Retegui 24 - De Cuyper 42, Trossard 61/

Friday

21:45: (5.00) Hungary (4.10) Netherlands (1.65)

21:45: (10.5) B&H (6.75) Germany (1.28)

Saturday

19:00: (1.63) Croatia (3.80) Scotland (5.70)

21:45: (5.50) Poland (3.90) Portugal (1.63)

21:45: (2.65) Serbia (3.25) Switzerland (2.95)

21:45: (1.40) Spain (4.60) Denmark (8.00)

Monday

21:45: (1.65) Germany (3.80) Netherlands (5.40)

21:45: (3.00) Belgium (3.40) France (2.35)

Tuesday

21:45: (5.20) Scotland (3.80) Portugal (1.75)

21:45: (1.30) Spain (5.80) Serbia (12.0)

UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE B

Thursday

England - Greece 1-2 (0-0)

/Bellingham 87 - Pavlidis 49, 90+4/

Finland - R. Ireland 1-2 (1-0)

/Pohjanpalo 17 - Scales 57, Brady 88/

Austria - Kazakhstan 4-0 (1-0)

/Baumgartner 10, Lienhart 53, Sabitzer 56, Seidi 79/

Norway - Slovenia 3-0 (1-0)

/Haaland 7, 62, Sorloth 52/

Friday

21:45: (2.80) Iceland (3.15) Wales (2.65)

21:45: (2.20) Ukraine (3.35) Georgia (3.35)

21:45: (1.32) Turkey (5.10) Montenegro (10.0)

21:45: (1.70) Czech R. (3.80) Albania (5.10)

Sunday

16:00: (5.30) Kazakhstan (3.60) Slovenia (1.70)

19:00: (9.50) Finland (4.90) England (1.35)

21:45: (1.90) Greece (3.35) R.Ireland (4.40)

21:45: (2.20) Austria (3.45) Norway (3.25)

Monday

21:45: (2.25) Ukraine (3.40) Czech R. (3.20)

***odds are subject to change***