Hosts in difficulty Germany praised the results of Saturday’s Euro 2024 draw, with coach Julian Nagelsmann declaring, “It’s not a group of death, but a very good one” after being put among Switzerland, Scotland, and Hungary.
The Germans will begin the competition against Scotland in Munich on June 14, before meeting Hungary in Stuttgart on June 19.
Germany will meet Switzerland in their last Group A match on June 23 in Frankfurt, despite the fact that the two neighbours have never met at the Euro.
Germany, the tournament’s three-time European champion, is in dismal condition.
Germany, who qualified as hosts, has won just three of 11 matches since suffering a second consecutive World Cup group stage loss in Qatar last year.
Hansi Flick was ousted as Germany’s national coach in September, and was replaced by Nagelsmann, who has won only one of his four games in command.
Rudi Voeller, who was important in the decision to replace Flick, acknowledged that Germany needed to improve but was “optimistic” that they could do it on home soil.
“We certainly have problems, but I am confident Julian Nagelsmann will solve them,” Voeller said after the draw in Hamburg.
“If we work on a few things in the coming months, I am optimistic that we will play a good European Championship.”
“That first game always has a special type of pressure,” the World Cup winner from 1990 continued.
Nagelsmann described the group as “interesting” and “one in which we hope to prevail.”
“It will be a great start against Scotland, and the other games will be exciting battles.”
“I’ve coached a few players from Hungary, and I know what they’re capable of.” Hungary plays some exciting football. It will be a minor derby against a direct neighbour versus Switzerland.”
Michael Ballack, a former Chelsea and Bayern Munich midfielder who scored 42 goals in 98 games for Germany, concurred with Nagelsmann.
“It’s not a death cult. With home advantage, we’re the favourites.
“Our first opponent is Scotland, and we know exactly what to expect.” In my perspective, the other two games will be more challenging.”
Scotland manager Steve Clarke stated the team was “evenly balanced” and “will be competitive,” but warned Germany that they “will have to be ready for a lot of Scotsmen to come.”