Germany has been battling a mosquito invasion at their Bavarian base, but coach Julian Nagelsmann remains confident that Denmark won't hinder their progress.
The German manager and several players have faced numerous questions about the infestation at their Adidas-built Home Ground camp at Euro 2024 , with Nagelsmann even labeling it "an abnormal plague" as team members were bitten.
Cocoa fumes have been deployed to tackle the issue, leading to some squad members grumbling about the odor. However, Nagelsmann insists the team is still entirely focused on securing a win at their home tournament, with anticipation building in Germany over the team's potential.
READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo defended as ex-teammate reveals truth behind substitution reaction
READ MORE: Euro 2024 star in 'physical fight' with supporter in bar days before match
"It doesn't matter if you're the hosts or not, the expectation of our fans is always the same," he stated. "They always want to see a successful team. It's a huge boost and a great feeling when we see all the images out in the streets, with our fans cheering us on and celebrating the games. And we want to help create more memories for them. It's an extra push for our team."
Fans have been buzzing about Nagelsmann's preference for Arsenal's Kai Havertz as his team's No. 9 over Borussia Dortmund's Niclas Fullkrug. Late bloomer Fullkrug, 31, boasts an impressive international record of 13 goals from his 19 caps, many of which - including his strikes against Scotland and Switzerland at this tournament - came off the bench.
A whopping 90 per cent of fans in a Bild poll, which saw 138,000 votes cast, are clamoring for Fullkrug to get the nod over Havertz against Denmark, but Nagelsmann is brushing off the chatter. "I've not followed the discussion," he declared.
"We decided who will play, no-one else. There are always discussions about everyone. I don't read anything, I have enough things to do. We have enough expertise on our staff so we don't need to follow the discussions."
Follow us on X for the best and latest in sports news
Antonio Rudiger is tipped to make his comeback after shaking off a hamstring scare, having rejoined practice on Friday. Nagelsmann praised his impact: "He's very important. Our medical staff have been trying everything this week to get him fit again, and in training he looked good.
"We'll see what happens overnight in terms of muscle issues. We have to wait and see what will happen, but at the moment he looks like being fit again so we're happy to have him back. If nothing special happens (overnight) he could play."
Nagelsmann also believes that Germany facing tougher challenges as the tournament progresses is beneficial. His squad kicked off their group matches with a resounding 5-1 victory over Scotland, followed by triumphs against Hungary and a stalemate with Switzerland.
"We started with an easier game than we expected, then a more complicated game against Hungary, who were brilliant, then a third game against the Swiss, which was difficult, but we got a late equalizer. So in the end we had to deal with different things in the group stage so I think we are well prepared for the knockout stage."
Most Popular
Comments / 0