manager ascends from the collective Euro 2020 upheaval cloud
Germany's DFB team has secured a spot in the knockout phase of the Euros at home. The excitement in the country has been heightened following the match against Scotland, but coach Julian Nagelsmann has issued a word of caution. Hungary, he says, is a "tricky opponent" and "difficult to prepare for."
The football-mad nation is dreaming of the next big show, but Nagelsmann is deep in thought on Euro cloud seven. Is there a sudden drop ahead? Hungary, at the very least, is an "unsettling adversary" and "difficult to predict," Nagelsmann warns. To ensure that the star duo "Wusiala" don't miss their chance at the Euro debut of the pink-lavender away jerseys, he has a private chat with them - a tactic he employed during his notably long speech at the closing training on Tuesday.
Nagelsmann is tight-lipped about what exactly he told them, only revealing that he has discovered several "secrets" for the much-anticipated next victory. "We have studied Hungary meticulously and have a clear concept of how they play," he tells Captain Ilkay Gündogan and the team, ensuring they "stay focused" and continue riding the wave of excitement.
Nagelsmann admits that Hungary is "feeling more pressure than us," expecting the 26th ranked team in the world to be "more aggressive." And it is this aggression that presents "an opportunity" for his team. At the same time, Nagelsmann stresses the importance of managing expectations. "No one should believe we can beat every team," he stresses.
The players have been enjoying a bit of downtime, recharging before the game against Hungary on Wednesday. They've been taking in the sights, celebrating with Adidas, playing poker, and dealing with minor injuries. "We took a break, which is good for both the players and their families," Nagelsmann says. Gundogan is confident, relying on Nagelsmann's strategy, especially in light of the excitement building around the team.
A victory over Hungary in Stuttgart could secure the round of 16 ticket before the final duel with Switzerland. Niclas Füllkrug, Leroy Sané, and Pascal Groß are ready as substitutes. Robert Andrich, partner to Toni Kroos, will play a crucial role, setting the tone for the unpredictable pool-kick. Hungary, Nagelsmann says, is full of "free spirits," with Szoboszlai being particularly elusive and cunning - a role for "destroyer" Andrich to deal with. The last win against Hungary came eight years ago, with Joachim Loew as coach.
Gundogan expressed his faith in Nagelsmann, especially with the increased excitement surrounding the team. "His calm and composure give the team a lot of composure and self-confidence," says the team captain, praising Nagelsmann's exceptional leadership. Fear of a repeat of past failures, such as at the 2010 or 2014 World Cup, seems unwarranted, according to DFB sports director Rudi Voller. "We know what Hungary will bring to the table," he says, "but we are also prepared." The goal is clear: "We aim to become group leaders."
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Nagelsmann voices his concerns about Hungary being a formidable opponent in the upcoming European Football Championship 2024, given their unpredictable playing style. As DFB prepares for the championship, Nagelsmann emphasizes the importance of studying Hungary's tactics and staying focused on their strategy, just like he did before the Euro 2020 match against Hungary.
