Julian Nagelsmann slams Germany fans for booing their own player

Julian Nagelsmann has criticised sections of Germany’s fanbase after they booed Leroy Sané during the side’s 2-1 win over Ghana in Stuttgart on Monday (30 March).

Arsenal forward Kai Havertz opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time by converting a penalty awarded to the home side after Angelo Stiller’s cross was handled by Jonas Adjetey, with English referee Stuart Attwell pointing to the spot.

But Ghana continued to press, with Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu levelling the scores in the 70th minute. However, Nagelsmann’s second-half changes proved decisive as Sané and Deniz Undav combined with two minutes left, with the VfB Stuttgart man — who has scored 17 goals in 23 Bundesliga appearances for his club this season — ensuring the home side’s victory, adding to their 4-3 win over Switzerland on Friday (27 March).

Despite contributing an assist, Sané may not have expected to be greeted by a chorus of boos from the home fans when he was introduced in the 78th minute.

After the match, several players — including Undav and goalkeeper Alexander Nübel — as well as head coach Nagelsmann, addressed the negative reception received by Sané.

Leroy Sane was booed when he came on against Ghana (Credit:Getty)

"I once said something to our fans and got a massive backlash. I generally don’t think it’s nice when our players are booed. As long as players wear the eagle on their chest," Nagelsmann said.

"Booing him before he’d even had his first touch, I don’t think that’s particularly fair. Leroy played much better today than against Switzerland and set up the goal with a great run."

Meanwhile, Undav added: "I really appreciated how the fans cheered me on. Thanks again for that! But I’d ask every fan, when Leroy or any other player comes on, not to boo — no matter what a player does or what sort of player he is. We should stand behind the team. It’s important that we, as a team, become one with the fans, and I hope things will be different during the tournament. I thought that was a real shame because we are a team. Leroy is one of us, just like everyone else. And I hope he’ll be supported next time too."

Goalkeeper Nübel also described the booing of Sané as “absolute nonsense”.

The reason for some supporters booing Sané relates to his inconsistent performances for the national team, with the Galatasaray winger widely criticised for his poor showing against Switzerland last week.

Germany return to action at home against Finland on 31 May as their World Cup preparations ramp up.