Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Müller - Emotional farewell to the EM
Before the final in Berlin, the dream of the next EURO title since 1996 was shattered. For national coach Julian Nagelsmann (36) and his team, the European Championship ended in the quarterfinals after a dramatic extra time with a 1:2 loss against title favorite Spain.
In an interview with ARD in "Sportschau," Nagelsmann fights back tears as he looks back: "This is the end of a time that was particularly special, where the boys gave a lot and we unfortunately lost today undeservedly." The national coach finds: "We reacted well in the second half, corrected a few things because we weren't all at 100% in the first half. Spain had two good chances in the second half, we had five, six. Even in extra time, we were clearly closer to the seventh goal."
Nagelsmann's last home tournament
In the end, the German national team was not "significantly better, but a little clearer in the final third, when it comes to the final situation," assesses the former professional footballer. The team had invested a lot and Nagelsmann didn't have to intervene in the last six weeks because the team was drifting or unmotivated. "It hurts because it will take two years until we can make it better. And a home tournament is unlikely to come in my career again."
Positively, the national team coach evaluates the "wonderful symbiosis with the people in the country, with the fans": "We'll take that with us." He and his coaching team now have the task of thinking about the squad for the UEFA Nations League. The opening match takes place on September 5, 2024.
Thomas Müller collapses
Thomas Müller (34) also shed tears after the EURO exit. What will happen to the Bayern pro, whose contract with FC Bayern expires in June 2025? His emotional outburst suggests that the 1:2 loss could be his last DFB game in the national team.
Following the heartbreaking quarterfinal loss in Berlin, Julian Nagelsmann expressed his emotions during an ARD interview, highlighting the team's performance despite the undeserved outcome. Despite not being significantly better, Nagelsmann believed the team was clearer in the final third. However, he lamented that a home European Championship may not occur in his career again due to the two-year wait.
In the aftermath of the defeat, Thomas Müller, too, displayed tears of disappointment. Given his contract expiration with Bayern Munich in 2025, the intensity of his emotional response may suggest this could be his final appearance for the German national team.
Looking ahead, Nagelsmann and his coaching team will focus on assembling the squad for the UEFA Nations League, with the opening match slated for September 2024. Meanwhile, the team will cherish the positive experience of the wonderful symbiosis they shared with the German fans during the European Championship.
