Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann emphasized the importance of leveraging the pressure of hosting Euro 2024 ahead of Friday’s tournament opener against Scotland in Munich.
The hosts, three-time European Championship winners, have faced challenges since their semi-final appearance at Euro 2016. Subsequently, Germany experienced early exits in two World Cups and a loss to England in the Euro 2021 round of 16.
Acknowledging some nerves before his first major tournament coaching Germany, the 36-year-old urged his players to embrace the pressure in front of their home crowd.
“It’s natural to feel pressure before big tournaments and crucial matches like these,” Nagelsmann told reporters. “For me, the key message to my players is that pressure is a privilege.”
He stressed the importance of enjoying their time on the pitch, highlighting the players’ love for football from a young age as essential.
“We will handle the pressure and prepare for Scotland,” he added.
Nagelsmann also discussed the process of convincing veteran midfielder Toni Kroos to return to the national team after his retirement in 2021. He explained that it took time to persuade the 2014 World Cup winner, who wanted assurances about the team’s future direction.
“He wanted to understand our plans for the team’s evolution and said he would only return if he believed we could win,” Nagelsmann said. “Once he was satisfied, he committed to being part of the team again, saying ‘let’s rock’.”
Regarding Scotland, Nagelsmann noted that Steve Clarke’s team is no longer the direct, physical side of the past but possesses flair and strong athleticism, making them a formidable opponent despite not having many star players.
