Stuttgart’s Stiller Omitted from National Squad Amid Rising Speculation

Angelo Stiller has been attracting interest from various clubs due to his impressive performances in the Bundesliga with Stuttgart. Under the guidance of coach Sebastian Hoeness, Stiller has emerged as a promising talent for the future. However, Germany’s national team coach, Julian Nagelsmann, has decided to exclude him from the squad for the upcoming international break as the team prepares for World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Slovakia.

Stiller has earned five international caps but will not be heading to the national camp, as he has been overlooked in favor of Bayern Munich’s Aleksander Pavlovic and Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha. In a recent press conference, Nagelsmann stated, “I had a very good exchange with him and Sebastian Hoeness. I explained my decisions to both of them. Angelo is an important player for VfB. His development is going in the right direction; he’s having a significantly better season than before the October training camp. I also conveyed that message to him.

“Nonetheless, we have two very strong competitors in Felix Nmecha and Aleksander Pavlovic, who are enjoying excellent seasons. I currently see them as slightly ahead.”

Hoeness expressed his discontent regarding Stiller’s exclusion but acknowledged the complexities of Nagelsmann’s role. He remarked, “I made no secret of the fact that we were surprised because I believe Angelo has been a key factor in our positive development. Therefore, we assumed he would be included. While this is understandable, Julian Nagelsmann is the national coach and must consider various factors before making decisions. We respect his judgment.”

Hoeness also confirmed that he maintains direct communication with Nagelsmann, stating, “We are always in contact, but that’s not something for public discussion. This is entirely normal. Over the past two years, we’ve been fortunate to have numerous national team players, ensuring lively communication. I stay in touch with him and Angelo, but we prefer to discuss such matters discreetly and professionally behind closed doors.”

When asked for his thoughts on the situation, Stiller commented, “We discussed it internally. That has to be enough,” adding, “No comment” when pressed further.

While Germany prepares for their international fixtures, Stiller will remain with the Stuttgart squad. Currently sitting fourth in the Bundesliga, with seven wins and 21 points, Stuttgart will face Dortmund on November 22, followed by a Europa League match against Go Ahead Eagles five days later. The German side is struggling in continental competition, having accumulated just six points after four rounds, with Go Ahead Eagles positioned just below them in the rankings, poised to present a formidable challenge.

Speculation regarding Stiller’s future at Stuttgart continues to escalate, with Manchester United and Real Madrid reportedly showing interest in the 24-year-old, who rose through Bayern Munich’s youth ranks before making his Bundesliga breakthrough at Hoffenheim. After spending two full seasons there, he joined Stuttgart in 2023 and has since contributed significantly to the team, netting 98 goals in six matches across all competitions, with over two years remaining on his current contract.