Ibrahim Maza chooses Algeria… Nagelsmann responds!
Julian Nagelsmann / @x.com/ISM78_/s
Germany national team coach Julian Nagelsmann spoke to the German media about Bayer Leverkusen’s young star, Ibrahim Maza, who has ultimately decided to represent Algeria rather than Germany.
The 38-year-old tactician addressed the comments made by the Bayer Leverkusen prospect, who explained that his choice to play for Algeria was influenced by the stiff competition for his position within Die Mannschaft.
🎙️ Julian Nagelsmann (coach de l’Allemagne 🇩🇪) sur le cas Ibrahim Maza 🇩🇿 :
« L’équipe nationale n’a rien à voir avec le fait de savoir où j’aurais plus de chances de jouer. Il s’agit de savoir si je suis fier de représenter le pays. Je dois le ressentir.
Cette discussion doit… pic.twitter.com/qd4XVY9Z7s
— JDZ Football (@JDZFootball) November 12, 2025
Ibrahim Maza chooses Algeria, Nagelsmann comments
According to Bild and Kicker, Nagelsmann said: “You have to be proud to play for your country. I only want players who feel a genuine connection to Germany.”
“It’s not about who starts or comes off the bench, whether it’s Musiala or Firtz, but about the pride of representing your nation,” he added.
The coach elaborated: “Playing for the national team is above all a matter of pride. The player must feel that pride, because it’s not comparable to choosing a club.”
He concluded: “It’s unfortunate to lose a talent like Maza, but if he wants to play for Algeria and that’s where his heart leads him, I’m not the one to change his mind. Playing for your country goes beyond football: it’s a matter of heart and emotion.”
💬 “Si son cœur lui dicte, qu’il le fasse…”
🇩🇪🇩🇿 Nagelsmann réagit au choix du jeune Ibrahim Maza de représenter l’Algérie plutôt que l’Allemagne.https://t.co/BIxTAL4ZyI
— RMC Sport (@RMCsport) November 12, 2025
