Nagelsmann's stance on losing player to Algeria
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 12.11.25. | 21:04
German national coach had a patriotic message for young midfielder who switched alliances
After an expensive Florian Wirtz transfer (which so far hasn’t worked) to Liverpool, Bayer Leverkusen were left without a creative midfielder in the middle of the field. There are players who can fill the void but they are wingers. So, the young Ibrahim Maza used his opportunity well and took his place in the line-up. Former Germany U18 and U20 player racked up 14 games for Leverkusen in all competition scoring three goals in the process. But he is on the front pages of the Algerian press for another reason – he decided to switch alliance and chose Fennecs as his new country.
The former Hertha player was born in Germany but decided to represent the country of origin of his father and already played under Vladimir Petković. After making his debut for the Fennecs in October 2024, coming on as a substitute in stoppage time against Togo (5-1), Maza joined Petkovic's squad and started from the first minute against Uganda in October. Finally, he decided to explain his reasons for choosing Algeria.
"Germany has excellent players in that position. I thought it would be very difficult for me to get playing time as a playmaker. My goal was to participate in the World Cup. In that position, with players like Musiala, Wirtz, and others, I thought I would have a better chance, from a purely sporting point of view, of playing for Algeria" he said.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann was also asked about Maza’s decision, but the German international boss preferred more patriotic reasons for choosing a country.
"We will often have to address this topic. He's a very good player. We accept his decision. With the national team, it's not about whether, as a player, I want to play or not. It's about whether I'm proud to play for my country or not, not whether Musiala or Wirtz are in the squad. Being 9th or 16th in the pecking order should be viewed differently with the national team than at club level. You still have to be proud of your country. We regularly find ourselves in a situation with players who could represent several nations. But I only want to convince those who want to play for Germany. Otherwise, it makes no sense. We represent the country on the football field. If Maza wants to play for Algeria and his heart tells him to, let him do it. I'm the last person who wants to convince him. It's a shame because he's a talented player, but the national team is more than just football. It's about heart, emotions, and everything that goes with it" said Nagelsmann.
