Julian Nagelsmann: Germany Will Handle Euro 2024 Pressure
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has asserted that his team “will face up to the task” of competing for the European Championship title on home soil this summer. The DFB-Team enters Euro 2024 in strong form, having won three of their last four matches, including a 2-1 victory over Greece in their final warm-up game on Friday night.
Germany exited in the round of 16 at Euro 2020 and were eliminated in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup, but they are now being tipped as potential contenders for this summer’s trophy.
Nagelsmann stated that his team will handle the pressure of being tournament hosts as they seek their fourth European Championship crown. Germany will compete in Group A, starting against Scotland on June 14, followed by matches against Hungary and Switzerland for a place in the knockout round.
There will be pressure on Germany to perform
“The normal ambition: we want to win it. It’s the same in all other tournaments. It’s probably not best for us to make this big claim that we’re going to become European champions,” Nagelsmann told UEFA’s official website.
“I think it’s the same for every country that participates; otherwise, they wouldn’t put in the work to qualify. Every team that gets into the tournament has the idea of winning it.
“And of course, we also have the idea of winning it. If we give it our all, it can happen. Lots of things have to come together, as is the case for all teams. It’s not a sure thing for any team.
“There is already the expectation that we will do better than we have in recent years, and our fans are excited to have the tournament on home soil.
“We will face up to the task. It is a huge task, it will be challenging, and it’s certainly not a chance that comes around very often. It’s only the second time Germany has hosted a European Championship.”
Germany are aiming to secure their fourth European Championship title.
“For the players, and for myself as a manager, participating in a tournament on home soil is a unique opportunity. There is pressure involved, but also a lot of joy. If we can see that joy on the pitch, then we will have a great tournament.
“It’s always a fantastic opportunity at the national team level to set aside the rivalry, which naturally exists within Germany between clubs as well, and for everyone to rally behind Germany.
“Of course, fans from other participating teams should also join in, have fun, enjoy their time in Germany, and turn the streets into large peaceful party zones, where European teams can celebrate football together and hopefully witness many exciting matches.”
Having qualified for Euro 2024 as hosts, Germany have not competed in a competitive match since securing a 4-2 victory over Costa Rica in their final group game at the 2022 World Cup.
Since then, the national team has played 15 friendlies, achieving a record of six wins, three draws, and six defeats.
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