Undav grateful for support as Nagelsmann sticks with Musiala

Undav responds to the noise

Deniz Undav says he was genuinely pleased to hear Jürgen Klopp and Thomas Müller publicly back him to start Germany's World Cup opener against Curacao on Sunday. "I was very happy. That shows I'm doing something right," Undav said, acknowledging the debate but staying grounded. "The coach has many options. In the end, it doesn't matter who starts." (5) He's taking it as a compliment, not a demand.

Nagelsmann picks his men

Julian Nagelsmann isn't bending. Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz will start against Curacao, with Undav on the bench alongside Leroy Sané and Jamie Leweling. Florian Wirtz also gets the nod in attack. (4) The coach heard the noise from Klopp and Müller, weighed it, and went his own way.

Matthäus pushes back on Klopp and Müller

Lothar Matthäus watched the same debate unfold and didn't hold back. "I was very surprised when I saw that Jürgen Klopp and Thomas Müller advised playing Undav instead of Musiala in the opening match," he said. "I accept their opinion, but I don't want to let it stand. I feel it lacks sensitivity." (2) (3) Musiala starts Sunday. The debate ends there.

Neuer locked in for the opener

Manuel Neuer will start in goal against Curacao, with Oliver Baumann waiting as backup. Undav didn't hold back on what the captain brings: "Manu is always on the go. Manu talks a lot, even off the pitch. He commands respect." (1) Germany's World Cup begins Sunday, and the spine is set.