Country's representative group - Nagelsmann Initiates Refinements in Franconia
Manuel Neuer planned his return to action. Bajran Gruda celebrated a birthday hosted by his new teammates, while Julian Nagelsmann inspected an EURO ball meticulously. Following their final training session in the camp, both the national coach and his EURO-bound group awaited the ICE.
The English team, led by Bayern's captain and forward Harry Kane, took possession of their quarters in Blankenhain in preparation for the EURO. Exactly two weeks before the opening match against Scotland in Munich, the DFB delegation traveled by train from Thuringia to Franconia on Friday. The rain front in southern Germany should not affect the EURO schedule.
At the DFB supplier Adidas, replacing US market leader Nike for millions in 2027, the national team aims to increase their second phase of preparation for the home tournament.
Nagelsmann content with start
Nagelsmann expressed satisfaction after the initial phase. "During the training camp, we had excellent conditions. Although a few players were unavailable due to the DFB Cup and Champions League finals, we made the most of the days and achieved significant progress as a team," he remarked on Friday.
The positive atmosphere and EURO excitement in Blankenhain persisted, despite the reduced workload from the coaching staff. "We allowed the players a brief respite at the beginning, both physically and mentally, to finally rest from the season," Nagelsmann explained.
Sporting director Rudi Völler is also pleased with the current situation. However, he cautioned against excessive enthusiasm. "We don't need to go overboard because everything is going smoothly. These days in Weimar were meant for testing; now we'll move on to fine-tuning in Herzogenaurach," the 64-year-old stated.
Eyes on London: Dortmund vs Real Madrid
On Saturday, attention will also be on London during the "Home Ground," where trainers, players, staff, and more will be glued to their TV screens, anticipating which club team will be crowned European champions at Wembley Stadium - Borussia Dortmund with strikers Niclas Füllkrug and Nico Schlotterbeck or Real Madrid with German EURO stars Toni Kroos and Antonio Rüdiger.
"I wish all four players that they win the final," said Nagelsmann diplomatically in advance. "But not all four will advance; only two will make it." Consequently, Nagelsmann will welcome two celebrated UEFA Champions League winners and two disappointed losers in the quarters next week. "Naturally, losing a UEFA Champions League final hurts severely. But in the end, the EURO will overshadow everything," Nagelsmann concluded. Kroos, Rüdiger, Füllkrug, Schlotterbeck - all focused on the tournament.
Two more tests against Ukraine and Greece
Nagelsmann's EURO squad is almost set on paper. The typical formation from the remarkable March victories against France (2:0) and the Netherlands (2:1) will begin the tournament on June 14th against Scotland. The only exception is Neuer as the EURO goalkeeper, as Nagelsmann had intended after March when the 38-year-old Munich left due to a training injury. Neuer displayed in training on Friday that he was prepared for his return.
The midfield configuration in front of Neuer is set up as follows: Kimmich, Tah, Rudiger, Middlestadt - Andrich, Kroos - Musiala, Gundogan, Wirtz - Havertz. Nagelsmann's role distribution for key players, challengers, and substitutes instills "confidence and creates a feeling of security," said Jonathan Tah, Leverkusen's double winner. "However, you cannot become careless," the 28-year-old warned, acknowledging his personal career-best season.
On Monday (8:45 pm), Nagelsmann can unveil his ideal lineup in Nuremberg against Ukraine, with Kroos and Rudiger unavailable due to Real Madrid obligations. They'll be available in Mönchengladbach four days later for the EURO warm-up match against Greece. Then, Bayern's forward Leroy Sané can also rejoin the team after serving a three-game suspension. Völler deemed "these two national games undervalued, even though they're just warm-up matches." He hopes for victories three and four in the EURO campaign. "That provides additional self-assurance for the team, as well as the public."
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