Julian Nagelsmann, the German national team’s coach, surprised everyone by calling up two young Bundesliga stars for the upcoming European Championship preparations. Mainz 05’s 19-year-old forward Brajan Gruda and Borussia Mönchengladbach’s 21-year-old midfielder Rocco Reitz will join the national team training camp from May 26th to 31st in Blankenhain, Thuringia. Nagelsmann explained that some of the regular national team players will join the Euro 2024 preparation later due to their commitments in the DFB-Pokal final on May 25th or the Champions League final on June 1st.
The inclusion of Gruda and Reitz in the training camp squad is aimed at providing them with valuable experience and the opportunity to showcase their talent within the senior national team setup. While they are initially joining as part of the training squad, Nagelsmann hinted that if any of the main squad players get injured, there is a chance for the young duo to make a late entry into the Euro squad. Reitz expressed his excitement at the opportunity, emphasizing his pride in representing Germany and looking forward to learning from some of the best players in the country during his time with the national team.
For Reitz, this call-up serves as a reminder of Christoph Kramer’s experience, who joined the World Cup-winning squad in 2014 as a late addition and lifted the trophy. This experience highlights the unpredictable nature of football and the potential for young talents to make a significant impact on the biggest stages. With this unexpected opportunity, Gruda and Reitz will be eager to make the most of their time with the German national team and showcase their abilities on the international stage.
