The Germans failed in the last two World Cups, were eliminated in the organisational phase and dominated the round of 16 of the last European Championship.
They are now at Euro 2024 and their victories over France, Holland and Greece in 3 of their last 4 friendlies have increased confidence around new head coach Julian Nagelsmann’s team, but are the defence, midfield and attack the best? smart enough to lift the trophy on July 14? In Berlin?
Germany has conceded seven goals in the last three games of 2023. Defensive leaks were already a recurring challenge for former coaches Hansi Flick and Joachim Löw. But since Nagelsmann opted for Real Madrid’s Champions League winner Antonio Rüdiger and Bayer Leverkusen’s two-time domestic winner Jonathan Tah. In central defense, the team’s defense has stabilized.
“Our strong point is communication. We communicate a lot on and off the field,” Rüdiger said of his teammate Tah. “He also stands out for being a leader and does not hesitate to speak. For me, he is the most productive center back in the Bundesliga. “
On the right side of the defence, former general midfielder Joshua Kimmich is expected to create danger from outside. Stuttgart’s Maximilian Mittelstädt seems to be positioned at left-back, but he is the least pleasant player in the defensive unit. However, one of the most productive players of the recently concluded Bundesliga season can capitalise on the joy of his teammates.
“It all depends on each person, even if they are less experienced,” said goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who will appear in a seventh primary tournament when the hosts face Scotland in Munich on Friday.
“We want to be attentive and have confidence in ourselves. And the players who are part of the team have developed this in their clubs. “
However, Neuer himself has been the subject of debate after some mistakes in recent friendlies, adding the most recent one against Greece. Nagelsmann has supported the former Germany captain, but for many it may be time for a change.
The coach discovered a new but familiar solution for a midfielder who failed in the past. Six-time Champions League winner Toni Kroos is back in the Germany shirt after retiring from foreign football in 2021.
“He’s very important, but he’s the only savior,” Nagelsmann said, highlighting Kroos’ qualities. “He can be a brilliant link player between attack and defense. “Kroos, 34, retires from football after the European Championship.
At Real Madrid, Kroos had a 95 percent success rate in the Champions League this season, and now he brings that confidence and precision to the national team. But the key to good luck may simply be her husband in midfield, Robert Andrich, who has been a foreigner since November 2023 and supports Kroos.
Nagelsmann once described Andrich, another member of Leverkusen’s championship team, as a “hard worker”, but that doesn’t do Andrich justice. The club’s coach, Xabi Alonso, who is one of the most productive midfielders in the world, taught him well and raised the 29-year-old’s point.
The Andrich/Kroos duo gave the team the calmness and security that Germany lacked.
The creative forces, Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, in particular, gain advantages by playing with the two midfielders more inside, while captain Ilkay Gündogan unites the two duos, although his form is unstable.
“We’ve improved our game with the ball a lot, so we can get Flo and Jamal into the spaces where they’re incredibly effective,” Andrich said.
The German attack, despite everything, once again has an intelligent nine, although it cannot get going. Borussia Dortmund’s Niklas Füllkrug has already scored 11 goals in his 15 foreign competitions.
More technically adept, Arsenal’s Kai Havertz looks set to lead the line, but Füllkrug and Bayern Munich veteran Thomas Müller are figures on the bench.
Bayern’s speedy winger Leroy Sané, who is still suffering from groin problems, is not entirely compatible, but could play a role as the tournament progresses.
Nagelsmann has discovered a combination for his team.
Neuer’s joy is contrasted by interesting new names such as Stuttgart winger Chris Führich, striker Deniz Undav and young Hoffenheim striker Maximilian Beier, who played well in the 0-0 draw against Ukraine.
In addition to taking advantage of the quality of the equipment, Nagelsmann also strives to foster an atmosphere of fun.
“There is much more unity than before,” said defender Tah. “It’s a combined organization that gets along well and is successful. “
Hard paintings and laughter are the order of the day.
“This combination will allow us to be successful. That’s why I have a good feeling about the tournament,” he added.
This article translated from German.