Now it’s all about putting the finishing touches to the tournament and getting a good feeling. Julian Nagelsmann expects energy and passion against Greece. The fans should get into the European Championship mood at the dress rehearsal.
Before flying to Brazil in 2014, there was a 6-1 win against Armenia to get them in the mood for the triumphant march to the World Cup title. In 2022, the national football team struggled to a flattering 1-0 win in Oman, followed by the failed finals in Qatar. The last test can set the direction for a tournament, as national coach Julian Nagelsmann of course knows. His expectations for today’s European Championship dress rehearsal (8.45 p.m./RTL) in Mönchengladbach against Greece are accordingly.
How does Nagelsmann want to approach the European Championship dress rehearsal?
One piece of wisdom does not apply to the national coach. The “law” that a dress rehearsal must fail for later success is “abrogated,” Nagelsmann made clear. In other words: A courageous performance and a win are needed against Greece. The European Championship atmosphere should be revved up. The 0:0 against Ukraine was not good enough. “The last test match is simply very important for our self-confidence. We want a spirit of optimism, we want to take our fans with us,” said defense chief Antonio Rüdiger.
Are there any more personnel experiments?
“I have a starting eleven in mind,” said Nagelsmann – and by that he meant the one for the Greece game and probably also the opening game of the European Championships on June 14 against Scotland. Part of the role distribution established since March is that these eleven places are also fixed. There is no reason to change that now of all times.
Leroy Sané still has to prove that he can be an option for the European Championship after his painful pubic bone problem, but for now as a joker. Nagelsmann’s probable eleven is: Neuer – Kimmich, Rüdiger, Tah, Mittelstädt – Andrich, Kroos – Musiala, Gündogan, Wirtz – Havertz
Which player will Nagelsmann drop?
The decision as to who will not return to the European Championship quarters in Herzogenaurach after the Greece game has already been made. Nagelsmann has consulted with his coaching staff, but of course has not yet told the professional in question. A player could still be seriously injured against Greece, and the decision would then be invalid.
There has been a lot of speculation recently, but the most likely option is either Maximilian Beier (TSG Hoffenheim) or Robin Koch (Eintracht Frankfurt). Players and fans will find out the decision this evening in Mönchengladbach. Shortly afterwards, the national coach will have to report his squad of 26 players to UEFA.
What exactly is the situation with Sané?
The fast attacker from FC Bayern has only been able to train with the DFB team twice. Since arriving in Blankenhain almost two weeks ago, it has been all about sparing practice and lots of regeneration. His last game for Munich was the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid (1:2) around a month ago.
Nagelsmann will not drop the 28-year-old if the test against the Greeks does not go completely wrong. But one thing is also certain: Sané cannot be a regular at the European Championships – more of a super joker for that special tournament moment.
What happens after the Greece test?
All the players will have one last free time. They will be allowed to travel home from Mönchengladbach. Toni Kroos and co. are expected back at the team headquarters in Herzogenaurach on Sunday evening. Preparations for the Scotland duel will continue there on Monday, with a public training session in front of 4,000 fans in the afternoon. On Thursday, the DFB entourage will move to Munich, and then it will be just one more sleep before the European Championship begins in the FC Bayern arena.
Source: Stern
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