Receiving the ball, the volley, the entire movement – a feast for the eyes and a spectacular highlight of an entertaining international match evening. “To have now arrived at the U21s is something great and the last step before the senior national team,” said the 18-year-old in his first week with the most important youth national team German Football Association. It remains to be seen whether the offensive player will continue to wear the DFB jersey in the long term.
Meeting with Wanner’s father and advisor
Julian Nagelsmann is said to be impressed by the talent Paul Wanner. Photo: Sven Hoppe/dpa
Wanner was in Austria born, grew up mostly in Deutschland on. His mother is Austrian, his father is German. The offensive player had repeatedly said that he didn’t want to rush into anything with the national team’s future and would ideally like to play in the Bundesliga for a year first. National coach Julian Nagelsmann is said to be impressed by the offensive player from 1. FC Heidenheim; Austria’s team boss Ralf Rangnick has already had the young star train with the national team in November 2022.
Julian Nagelsmann is said to be impressed by the talent Paul Wanner. Photo: Sven Hoppe/dpa
In the last qualifying games against Bulgaria (2-1) and Poland, Di Salvo relied on Wanner for the first time, who had to be replaced with an injury. “You could see his determination, his technique, his drive forward,” said Di Salvo. Last year, the 45-year-old met with Wanner’s father and advisor, and the DFB coach Christian Wörns, who was responsible for the young professional at the time, was also there.
Di Salvo: “He really enjoys it”
In the days of Munich, Regensburg and Lodz, the question of the future “now played no role at all. The goal was to integrate Paul well,” said the coach: “Of course we talked about how he felt welcomed, whether he felt comfortable with us, whether everything was okay – and he confirmed that. He really enjoys it.”
National coach Antonio Di Salvo praises the U21 newcomer. Photo: Marian Zubrzycki/dpa
There is no special treatment due to the special circumstances for Wanner, who is tied to FC Bayern until 2027. “I look after him just like I do the other players,” said Di Salvo: “I don’t think we need to make it particularly attractive to him. The fact that he is now with the U21 is privilege enough for him.” Of course, you want to “create an atmosphere that makes him feel so comfortable that it might have consequences for his decision.”
Congenial duo Wanner/Gruda
Wanner visibly enjoys the interaction with Brajan Gruda, who is also highly talented. The goal to make it 2-1 against Poland was “somehow announced” during training, said the U21 coach: “I could already see that there was a connection, that they played well together.” However, Wanner received a blow to the foot and had to be substituted at half-time.
Wanner, who also played for the German U17, U18 and U20, wants to take his time before making his final decision. Maybe even until after the European Championship finals from June 11th to 28th, 2025 in Slovakia. «I want to make the decision 100 percent correctly. That could be in two months or at the end of the season,” he said. He likes both countries very much and also wants to listen to his heart.
