Forward Brandt: Germany crisis 'just as unpleasant' as Dortmund's

Germany forward Julian Brandt has said the situation of the stuttering national team is "just as unpleasant" as that of his club Borussia Dortmund in the past weeks.

Brandt told Monday's edition of Kicker sports magazine he hopes that Dortmund can rebound in a similar way as last year in the second part of the season, and that he aims to get enough playing time to make the Germany squad for this year's European championships at home.

"Some other players are in a better position than I am because they have had more games and could present themselves more," Brandt said.

"Nonetheless I am not afraid, and looking forward to it. I believe that I can convince [Germany coach] Julian Nagelsmann to nominate me.

"All options are there for me, for the Euros, for the national team. I have it in my own hands to give the national team coach enough arguments to take me along in summer."

Germany won just three of their 11 games in 2023 and lost the last two under new coach Nagelsmann. Dortmund are fifth in the Bundesliga, 15 points off the top with one victory from their last eight games.

Dortmund also lagged behind 12 months ago but rallied and only lost the title race to Bayern Munich on the final matchday.

"The best thing is when points are at stake immediately that everyone knows it has to be implemented straight away and we don't have six weeks to make a cross or a goal or a pass work. We're short of time now," said Brandt.

Dortmund's first game after the winter break is on Saturday at bottom club Darmstadt.