Germany midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic admits he is heartbroken to see four of Germany’s greatest players retire in quick succession after Euro 2024, so he and his team-mates are ready to take over.
Midfielder Toni Kroos gave advance notice, but forward Thomas Muller, midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and Manuel Neuer chose to crystallize their decisions later.
That left the 20-year-old feeling disheartened, having been following the work of his seniors since they were little. But he thinks that one of the four who surprised him the most was Neuer.
“I feel a bit irritated that if the tournament is held, Thomas will retire from the national team following Tony,” he told Ufabet Sport Deutsche Land.
“I just didn’t expect Ilkay and Manuel Neuer to be a surprise, especially the latter who announced it on Instagram.”
“Because I originally thought you would play in the next World Cup too.”
The absence of three midfielders is a major replacement issue, especially with coach Julian Nagelsmann deploying Joshua Kimmich at right-back, making the engine room from Bayern Munich eager to challenge for the vacant position.
“Ultimately, the head coach always makes the decision,” the young player added.
“I just keep my head down and practice hard, ยูฟ่าเบท pushing myself every day. Let’s wait and see what the results are.”
Germany play two UEFA Nations League matches against Hungary ( 7 Sep ) and the Netherlands ( 10 Sep ) .