National squad - Head coach Nagelsmann seeks a dream start at the European Championship, expressing optimism with a "faith in our eyes."
One time, Julian Nagelsmann acted like a strict school principal. The chatter in the press room was driving the national coach crazy before the EM opener against Scotland, so he asked for more stillness. "Sort of like in school here. Let's all be a tad quieter. That would be great. Thanks," said the national coach, then shared his positive, confident view on the German national team's home European Championship kickoff.
Nagelsmann didn't feel the need to give his players any extra instructions before the difficult Friday game (9 p.m., ZDF/MagentaTV). "I've seen their determination in their eyes," said the 36-year-old. "They're energetic, they're hungry, they're eager. I'm keeping them on a short leash, but I'll let them loose tomorrow."
Preparing for a home Europe Championship dream
The national team aims for a strong start against Scotland, full of zeal and control. "We can handle the pressure and take down Scotland," promised the youngest German tournament coach. There's been no doubt about the EM since before reaching Munich. Nagelsmann had confirmed this before arriving in the city. Manuel Neuer and Toni Kroos were busy with autographs in the hotel foyer. The coach was also met by fans in the elevator. The atmosphere is laid back.
"Of course, everyone wants this to start. The whole country is on edge. I think we're in good shape," said Kroos, a trophy collector from Real Madrid who has a heavy load of expectations on his shoulders.
Munich offers both the ideal kickoff for the next German fairy tale and a significant challenge. During the match, the crowd should be deafening. "I want us as a nation to spur the team on. It's crucial. We have to utilize our home advantage somehow," said Nagelsmann. "That's why I'm asking for a lot of noise."
Energy drink as a good luck charm
The ideal energy drink, which his assistant Benjamin Glück scouts for per superstition, and the right intuition are all Nagelsmann needs to enter the stadium on Friday. "There's a lot of excitement now since it's a major event. It might not only be about Europe, but the whole world will be watching," said the coach.
Big motivators in the 2:0 win over France in March and the 2:1 victory against the Netherlands, but also puzzling 45 minutes in a well-planned preparation game against Greece (2:1) - in this tense atmosphere, the German team will stage their first home EM match in 36 years.
"If we have a good first tournament performance, we'll bring momentum to our side. People will be more emotionally supportive as well, and can fuel us moving forward," said Ilkay Gündogan. However, fans must be convinced first. "What I'd like is some trust in the tournament," said the Barcelona professional ahead of his tournament debut as Germany's captain.
The spirit of competition was sacrificed for unquestioned roles and secure actions. It's time to demonstrate if the top squad is ready. Few conversations have surrounded the ideal starting formation for this tournament. Nagelsmann has his team ready and prepped there, despite mistakes made by starting keeper Manuel Neuer.
Readying a consistent first team
Neuer - Kimmich, Rüdiger, Tah, Mittelstaedt - Andrich, Kroos - Musiala, Gündogan, Wirtz - Havertz. This will be Germany's starting lineup, unless something changes before kickoff by referee Clement Turpin (France). "Of course, we have a team in mind first," said Nagelsmann. It's essential to give the regular players "a certain emotional stability."
"We need several players who play well together to be successful. There'll be tough situations. Definitely against Scotland. We must be there," demanded Kroos. It's surprising how this 28.7-year-old team - with the oldest German starting eleven since the 2000 European Championship debacle - is unexceptional.
The return of Kroos was an inspired decision by Nagelsmann. The 34-year-old is striving for the missing European Championship title on July 14 at Berlin's Olympic Stadium. He'll bring calmness on the ball and dominance on the field - two qualities the national team has lacked in many tense situations recently. The memories of the confusion on the pitch and off at the disappointing Qatar 2022 World Cup still linger.
Scotland's presence is substantial
Scotland is taken seriously by everyone. The 100,000 expected visitor fans in Munich tell a story of their own. Nagelsmann consistently acknowledged their significance. "Scotland is not just another team: they have their own following, and they're not just a running, fighting football team anymore," he said.
Kroos turned to his Madrid teammates for guidance while en route to the EURO. Spain previously lost to Scotland, but the team containing Liverpool's Andrew Robertson is both physically dominant, logically savvy, and incredibly hazardous in their transition play. "We have faced immense difficulty against this type of team in recent years," mentioned Kroos.
A tie or even a loss would intensify the tension prior to the next group encounter with Hungary. The prospect of premature elimination would resurface swiftly. It's at this point where Rudi Völler enters the mix. While not panicking, a generous dose of optimism is necessary. Völler aims to approach his fifth EURO (1984, 1988, 1992) as a player, team manager, and now an official with this attitude. "We don't need to freak out, but we should maintain a positive outlook," said Völler.
