"A shame" – Germany U21 coach Antonio Di Salvo on Paul Wanner choosing Austria over Germany
| Photo by Christian Hofer/Getty Images |
After representing Germany at youth level, Paul Wanner has opted to switch his international allegiance to Austria at senior level.
For Germany U21 coach Antonio Di Salvo, the decision is disappointing, as he believes the 20-year-old PSV midfielder could have made a real impact for the DFB-Elf in the future.
“I still find it a shame, because I believe Paul has great potential and that he is not finished developing yet. He is continuing to improve,” Di Salvo told DPA.
However, with Wanner now in a strong position to be included in Austria’s World Cup squad, Di Salvo also expressed understanding for the move.
“He has the opportunity to play at the World Cup. I assume he will also be an option there. If he wants to take that step, then I can understand it,” he said.
“It is always the player’s decision. And if a player is committed to changing federations because that is his path, then I obviously accept and respect that.”
Wanner could make his debut for Austria in a friendly against Ghana on Friday.
