Open Extended Reactions are not yet at a tournament-ready level, with less than three months remaining before the commencement of Euro 2024 in their home country. However, coach Julian Nagelsmann expressed that the team is not feeling pressured.
Nagelsmann’s team is set to engage in a friendly match on Saturday before hosting another team three days later.
Having taken the reins after the dismissal of Hansi Flick in September, Nagelsmann’s initial performance has been a mixed bag. Following a victory and a draw during a trip to the United States in October, the team suffered two consecutive losses, one away and one at home, in November.
Addressing the team’s recent challenges, Nagelsmann mentioned in a press conference on Friday, “In the last two games, we may have had an excess of attack-minded players on the field. This week, our training sessions have been productive, and I am optimistic that we will deliver a strong performance tomorrow.”
Regarding the perceived pressure, Nagelsmann emphasized, “The external pressure is not a matter of life or death; it is merely a construct imposed from outside.”
Julian Nagelsmann downplayed the pressure on the German team as they gear up to host the Euros this summer. Despite being four-time world champions, Germany has faced limited success on the international stage since their 2014 World Cup triumph, experiencing early exits in their last three major tournaments.
The team exited the last two World Cups in the initial round and was eliminated in the round of 16 in the previous European Championship three years ago.
With anticipation building among the success-starved German supporters ahead of the tournament kick-off on June 14, Nagelsmann remarked, “The pressure to achieve success exists, but the rest is external noise. While sporting success is significant, I maintain a balanced perspective that football has been a source of enjoyment for me since childhood.”
Nagelsmann added, “It is crucial to savor the game. We have two crucial matches ahead, followed by a pivotal two-month period for the coaching staff, leading up to the Euros.”
Prior to the commencement of the Euros, the German team will also engage in matches in Nuremberg on June 3 and in Monchengladbach four days later as part of their final friendly fixtures.
Expressing his views on the pressure associated with the game, Nagelsmann stated, “I am not fond of the pressure and the ‘what ifs’ in football. It is a beautiful aspect of life that should evoke emotions. We will strive for victory, and if unsuccessful, we will regroup for the next opportunity on Tuesday.”