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Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels said before facing Real Madrid in the Champions League final that he feels bitter, but he understands coach Julian Nagelsmann’s decision to exclude him from the preliminary squad of the German national team for the 2024 European Championship.
“I can understand the idea that the group has been forming since March,” Hummels told Bild Sport. “It is bittersweet for me as a player, because I am currently one of the five best defenders in Germany. I have the self-confidence to say that.”
In response to a question about the reasons for his exclusion, Hummels said, “It has more to do with issues related to age and fitness.”
Hummels added that most of his Dortmund teammates said “they could have easily taken you with them” after learning of Nagelsmann’s decision.
Asked whether the 36-year-old coach had overlooked the best players in his selections, Hummels explained that it is not always a matter of calling up the best 26 players, but having a good mix can help create a positive atmosphere.
Host Germany is in Group A of the European Championship with Scotland, Hungary and Switzerland, and Nagelsmann’s Cubs will play Scotland in the opening match of the tournament on June 14.
