FC Koln legend Lukas Podolski has shared his thoughts on the nomination of Assan Ouedraogo for the World Cup. Following the injury-related exit of Lennart Karl, many fans and experts would have preferred Said El Mala as a replacement. Podolski, the 2014 World Champion, believes El Mala deserved the nomination. In an interview with "Sport1", he expressed his confusion over the decision made by national coach Julian Nagelsmann. Podolski stated, "I don't know why he wasn't considered. Maybe he doesn't fit into the system." He also criticized Nagelsmann's communication, which he deemed "somewhat unfortunate." Podolski suggested that El Mala could have been told to stay at FC Koln and keep fit. Nagelsmann justified the nomination of Ouédraogo by stating that he is "in shape" and "in rhythm," while El Mala had not trained in recent weeks. Regardless of the World Cup, Podolski has little interest in the tournament, as he is now focusing on his family.