National squad - Newer's rain report on Franconia's water level
Heavy rains have made waterproof clothing a necessity for the national team's equipment manager. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and some of his teammates shielded themselves from the rain during their first training session on the Adidas outfitter's grounds in Herzogenaurach. Coach Julian Nagelsmann donned a white rain jacket, while young star Florian Wirtz used an umbrella to stay dry on the way from their accommodations at the "Home Ground" to the newly constructed water-resistant training field. Jovial Thomas Müller came to practice with a white fisherman's hat.
Two more test match victories are key to remain in top form. This statement was made by national team player Joshua Kimmich, who was ecstatic about the fervor of the fans that greeted the team upon their arrival in the tournament headquarters. The excitement for the home tournament is increasing with each passing day.
Four key players - Niclas Füllkrug, Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Toni Kroos, and Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid) - trained at the DFB outfitter on the day of the Champions League final. Kimmich expressed an upsurge in readiness among the audience. "The people are ready," he said, referring to the enthusiastic reactions from the fans. The squad is eager to make up for losses in previous tournaments.
Nagelsmann began the process of final adjustments by relocating from the training camp in Thuringia to the Franconian tournament venue. A game against Ukraine, the EM participant, is scheduled for Monday night on ARD, followed by a fixture against Greece four days later.
A successful string of results in March friendlies against France and the Netherlands has boosted the team's confidence. Kimmich aims to maintain this momentum. "It depends on winning. We want to win the two tests to stay in the flow," he said during a press conference. He's determined to achieve a better start to the tournament on June 14 when Germany faces Scotland, after having lost the first game in each of the previous three championships.
Manuel Neuer is also optimistic about the upcoming tournament. Returning to the national team after a year-long hiatus following the early World Cup exit in Qatar, the Bayern goalkeeper will stand between the posts for the first time in Nuremberg. "The two test matches are very important for us. It's the last water level report. If we create positive results, the first game becomes easier," he said.
The "Home Ground" of Adidas holds nostalgic memories for many national players, as it was the base camp at the previous EM. Kimmich mentioned that it didn't take long to acclimate to their surroundings. The new training field has provided even better conditions.
Each player occupies a wooden four-room dwelling with independent entrances. Kimmich, along with the Stuttgart player Maximilian Mittelstädt and the Leipzigers David Raum and Benjamin Henrichs, resides in an accommodation reserved for outside defenders. Neuer's living arrangements at the "Home Ground" hint at him being among the goalkeepers Alexander Nübel, Oliver Baumann, and the yet-to-arrive Marc-André ter Stegen.
