Matthias Ginter laments Europa League loss and World Cup omission within twelve hours
Germany defender Matthias Ginter said the defeat of SC Freiburg in the Europa League final was quickly followed by his exclusion from the World Cup squad, calling it a “double blow.”
Matthias Ginter, the central defender for SC Freiburg, described the period surrounding the club’s Europa League final loss to Aston Villa as the darkest in his professional life. Within twelve hours of the defeat, he was informed that Julian Nagelsmann had omitted him from Germany’s World Cup squad, a decision he learned of only on the nomination day. Ginter criticized the poor communication surrounding the selection and hinted at lingering issues with the national team coach.
He admitted that the significance of missing the tournament only struck him once the opening match aired, reviving the sting of the club loss. Having played in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, Ginter said the twin setbacks far outweighed any prior disappointments. The defender, a former Borussia Dortmund player, called the experience a “double blow” at the end of an otherwise remarkable season.
Why it matters
It highlights the personal impact of selection decisions on players during a major club final and a global tournament.
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