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World Cup Dream: Leipzig's Baku Puts Vacation Plans on Hold
🇩🇪 Germany /Conflict & Security

World Cup Dream: Leipzig's Baku Puts Vacation Plans on Hold

From Die Zeit · (1d ago) German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • RB Leipzig player Ridle Baku is keeping his vacation plans on hold as he hopes for a call-up to the German national team for the upcoming World Cup.
  • The final squad announcement by national coach Julian Nagelsmann is scheduled for May 12.
  • Baku, who has played eight times for Germany since his debut in 2020, is determined to impress with strong performances in the Bundesliga to make his case for selection.

Ridle Baku, the dynamic winger for RB Leipzig, is playing a calculated game of patience, deliberately delaying his vacation plans in anticipation of a potential World Cup call-up. With the German national team's final squad announcement looming on May 12, Baku is channeling his focus into consistent, high-impact performances on the Bundesliga stage, hoping to catch the eye of national coach Julian Nagelsmann.

I have not booked any vacation yet. I will do that when the nomination is set - or hopefully not.

— Ridle BakuExpressing his hope for a World Cup call-up and his decision to postpone vacation plans.

Despite a somewhat limited international record of eight caps since his 2020 debut, Baku remains optimistic. He acknowledges that his recent national team appearances were not in the last set of games, but his current form for Leipzig offers a compelling argument. "Currently, things are just going well for me. I try to help the team with my qualities. Then it's up to the national coach what he does," Baku stated, reflecting a blend of self-awareness and ambition.

Currently, things are just going well for me. I try to help the team with my qualities. Then it's up to the national coach what he does.

— Ridle BakuReflecting on his current form and his chances of being selected for the national team.

From a German perspective, Baku's situation embodies the intense competition for places within the national squad. While established stars often have a degree of certainty, players like Baku represent the hungry contingent vying for recognition. His strategy of prioritizing a potential World Cup dream over immediate leisure time speaks volumes about his dedication. Unlike in some other footballing nations where national team selection might be more predictable or politically influenced, Germany's system, particularly under Nagelsmann, often rewards current form and tangible contributions. Baku's proactive approach, "If I'm needed, I'm there," is precisely the kind of mentality that German football culture values, showcasing a player ready to seize his opportunity on the world's biggest stage.

With such games, you can definitely put yourself in the shop window. If I'm needed, I'm there.

— Ridle BakuCommenting on his performance in the match against Eintracht Frankfurt and his readiness to play for the national team.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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