German squad prepares for EURO 2024 with Neuer controversy, and Toni Kroos hopes to win at home.
Problems and Disagreements Neuer
Germany hosts Greece in a crucial friendly match at Borussia-Park a week before EURO 2024.
That might be a challenge for Germany’s quest to win the European football title for the first time since 1996.
Neuer gifted a goal to GreeceThe match ended with a score of 2-1 for Germany, and caused Julian Nagelsmann to face not only professional problems.In the second half of the first half, Christos Tzolis’ kιck from outside the penalty area was not dangerous, but Manuel Neuer let the ball fly out. This created an opportunity for Giorgos Masouras to score the opening goal.”Ԁie Mannschaft” successfully reversed with goals from Kai Havertz and a beautiful volley from Pascal Gross. However, this result did not satisfy fans.After the match, a wave of boycotts against Neuer from German fans emerged like never before.This is understandable, as the 38-year-old goalkeeper made a similar mistake, creating conditions for Joselu to score a quick double (88′, 90’+1), helping Real Madrid eliminate Bayern Munich in the Champions League.Neuer is 38 years old and has had many injuries recently. What happened further increased criticism that he belonged to “black power” in the German team, making the competition for the goalkeeper position unfair. At least with Ter Stegen.Nagelsmann, after the win over Greece, spent 95 seconds monologuing to defend Neuer. “I don’t see any problems with Manuel, nor do I allow any arguments to arise.”
Nagelsmann is not assured when entering EURO 2024Germany entered EURO with 4 unbeaten matches (3 wins). However, the team that won the European Championship three times (1972, 1980, 1996) has not created confidence in its ability to keep the trophy at home.Expect Toni KroosGermany has just experienced failed international tournaments, being eliminated from the World Cup group stage in the last two editions, as well as stopping in the 1/8 round of EURO 2020.Recent failed tournaments are associated with veterans like Neuer or Thomas Muller – who no longer maintain their motivation and peak performance.Nagelsmann appeared with the task of changing “Ԁie Mannschaft”, after Hansi Flick – who had just arrived at Barcelona – became the first coach in the history of the German team to be fired.The 36-year-old coach, who was fired by Bayern Munich, still believes in Neuer or Muller, along with the youth wave. The highlight is that he successfully convinced Toni Kroos to return to the German team after 3 years.Kroos has been outstanding since his return. The 34-year-old midfielder always leaves his mark in the way he deploys the ball and organizes attacks.In Nagelsmann’s favorite 4-2-3-1 style, Toni Kroos always plays lowest but operates freely. He is the main initiator of attacks for the team.
Germany has high hopes for KroosKroos’ return also creates conditions for captain Gundogan to play higher. This was his favorite role when he was still booming at Man City.Toni Kroos just had a very good season at Real Madrid, becoming the launching pad to help the Spanish Royal team receive the La Liga and Champions League double.The performance was praised by Luka Modric: “I want to give the Golden Ball to Toni for his contributions.” Carlo Ancelotti also shares the same opinion, although he admits Vinicius has the advantage of being an attacking player.Kroos has just parted ways with Real Madrid and will hang up his shoes after the EURO 2024 finals. He wants to have the best tournament before ending his admirable career as a player.