Overview
- Coach Lukas Kwasniok said he withdrew the winger at the break because his duels and defensive work did not meet expectations.
- Borussia Mönchengladbach beat Köln 3–1, and Said El Mala left the match at half-time without creating a chance.
- Julian Nagelsmann had called up El Mala after a strong start to the season that included four goals and two assists in nine league appearances.
- Sporting director Thomas Kessler defended the subdued display as completely normal for a 19-year-old, while expert opinion remains split on the timing of the call-up.
- Germany faces Luxembourg on Friday and Slovakia in Leipzig three days later, and El Mala has even described initially missing Nagelsmann’s phone call before confirming his selection.