Sebastian Hoeneß Reacts to Angelo Stiller’s Exclusion from National Team

In an interview with RTL (via kicker), VfB Stuttgart’s head coach, Sebastian Hoeneß, addressed the exclusion of midfielder Angelo Stiller from the German national team for the upcoming international break.

Julian Nagelsmann’s squad announcement for November once again omitted Stiller, as well as his teammate Maximilian Mittelstädt, marking the second consecutive break without their inclusion.

Hoeneß noted that Stiller is among the leading German midfielders and is viewed as a key player for the team’s future. His exclusion during this critical phase of the World Cup cycle has left many, including Hoeneß, bewildered. He remarked, “I don’t know why. We were very surprised. I can only speak for Angelo; he is a central player for us and a major factor in why we’re in fourth place in the Bundesliga. That combination really puzzled us.”

When asked how he plans to address the situation concerning Stiller and Mittelstädt’s absence from the national squad, Hoeneß observed that Leon Goretzka has been retained in Stiller’s place. Other midfield options include Aleksander Pavlovic, Felix Nmecha, and Nadiem Amiri, alongside Joshua Kimmich. Additionally, Leroy Sané has been recalled to the squad despite not having an impressive performance in Turkey.

Stiller himself was approached for comments regarding his exclusion after Stuttgart’s 2-0 victory against Feyenoord but chose not to respond. In contrast, goalkeeper Alexander Nübel, who was called up, remarked, “The surprise was great throughout the entire team.”