Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has made a stunning decision, breaking a long-standing national team tradition by overlooking Leroy Sane for the captain's armband. With regular skipper Joshua Kimmich and vice-captains Kai Havertz and Antonio Rudiger all out injured, Nagelsmann had to appoint a new leader for the friendly against Luxembourg.
A Captaincy Snub Defies Convention
In German football, it is customary for the player with the most international caps to assume the captaincy when the usual leaders are unavailable. This convention pointed directly towards Leroy Sane, the 29-year-old winger who boasts an impressive 70 caps for his country, more than any other player in the current squad.
However, in a surprising move, Nagelsmann defied this tradition. Instead of Sane, he chose Bayern Munich centre-half Jonathan Tah to wear the armband. The manager announced his damning decision at a press conference on Thursday, explaining his reasoning publicly.
Nagelsmann's Reasoning and Sane's Precarious Position
Nagelsmann justified his selection by referencing a team council appointed before the Nations League. 'Jonathan Tah will replace him [Kimmich],' Nagelsmann stated. 'We appointed a team council before the Nations League - not many of them are left because some are injured. Jonathan is the only one remaining. He's having a good season and deserves it.'
This decision is a significant blow for Sane, who has only just earned a recall to the national squad. He had lost his place after the Nations League Finals in June. Nagelsmann, who has been critical of Sane in recent months, did acknowledge the player's improved early-season form at new club Galatasaray, where he has scored three goals and provided three assists.
Yet, the German boss's praise was coupled with a clear warning. 'If we had six or seven players to choose from in that position, then it would be significantly more difficult for him [Sane],' Nagelsmann said. 'He knows that there aren't an unlimited number of opportunities to prove himself at the national team level. I told him that openly.'
What This Means for Germany's Leadership
This captaincy choice signals a clear shift under Nagelsmann, prioritising current form and perceived leadership qualities within a specific council over the traditional metric of seniority. For Jonathan Tah, who has 41 caps and joined Bayern Munich from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, it is a major vote of confidence.
For Sane, the snub is a stark reminder that his place in the national team is under scrutiny. Despite his vast experience and undeniable talent, he must now fight to regain the manager's full trust as Germany continues its preparations for future tournaments.
