National squad - Title determination awaits Nagelsmann at the European Championship despite quiet skepticism.
On a leisurely Sunday, Tony Kroos and Manuel Neuer conveyed a resounding message from Julian Nagelsmann to competitors in Europe in anticipation of the European Championship in their home country.
"It's obvious that we're striving for maximum success in a Euros held in our own country," the UEFA website quoted the national team's coach, who had briefly returned to the Euro camp in Herzogenaurach to spend time with his family one last time before leaving.
The English version of the federation's website contained a more assertive statement: "The usual goal: we want to win." It was unclear whether UEFA interviewed Nagelsmann before or after the Holper general training session of the national team against Greece. Regardless, the article was in line with Nagelsmann's constant determination. Nagelsmann is unwavering in his approach.
Nagelsmann aims to maintain a positive outlook before the first match against Scotland on Monday, despite any potential interference from outside sources. The team's readiness for the tournament after the hard-fought 2:1 victory on Friday should not overshadow the overall state of the German team. Concerns about Neuer's goalkeeping are also off-limits, given his current struggles.
"I have complete faith in this team," declared Nagelsmann and soared into the tournament realm with his words, which sounded more idealistic after the game's last 90 minutes. "We can achieve great things. We will do everything we can to win the title," he addressed the German supporters. These words would likely be heard digitally in England, Spain, and France on Sunday.
Rudi Völler served as the optimistic leader, acknowledging the errors against Greece and emphasizing the need to learn from them. "We must determine the reasons why Greece had so many counter-attacks against us. That was not good! We were too slow and careless, especially in our build-up play," commented Völler.
Völler believes the team will learn from the mistakes and not make them again at the Euros. "This kind of occurrence should not happen against Scotland on Friday," promised the sports director to "Bild." "The players are aware of this and are questioning themselves. And that's a good thing," added Völler.
Kroos had already acknowledged that "we knew we weren't as good as we were in March" before his family weekend in Madrid.
Nagelsmann's responsibilities are clear. Neuer must defend against all attacks as the starter. "I don't care what people say in the media. This has been discussed countless times before," said Nagelsmann. Neuer has participated in eight significant tournaments since 2010 in a row. Time for a break.
The exhausted "magicians" Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz need to be recharged after a lengthy and demanding season and injuries. And captain Ilkay Gündogan must play against the doubts about his role and position. Else, he could become a strategic substitute.
Nagelsmann is likely to maintain the same starting lineup against Scotland. "It will look similar to today," he cryptically hinted. From the pool of potential players for the ten field positions, Nagelsmann includes Leroy Sané, who could impress after his 45-minute comeback from three national team games and his problematic thigh injury.
Nagelsmann has already outlined his principles for the European Championship since the two-week preparation in Blankenhain and Herzogenaurach. The impression from the tests against Ukraine (0:0) and Greece (2:1) is that the national coach will have to carry out some of his instructions by June 14. In high spirits, including. "Ultimately, the win was a good thing," said Nagelsmann. "And late goals are really exciting for a team's psychology."
Fans are a crucial element
The countdown week begins on Monday in Franconia with a public training session. 4000 spectators are present at the Adi-Dassler Stadium from 4:00 PM. Nagelsmann and his 26 Euro players will soon realize what a significant role they play in the fans' eyes. The supporters are ready to cheer on their team, seeking success and a collective party atmosphere after three disappointing tournaments. The song "Völlig losgelöst" is unearthed from the archives to provide the perfect summer anthem. Major Tom serves as a benevolent spirit floating above the national team.
