Dutch Hold 'tough Conversations' After Group Stage
By Fernando Kallas
DORTMUND, Germany, June 28 (Reuters) - Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann dodged questions about who he planned to play in attack for Saturday's last 16 Euro 2024 clash against Denmark after fans and pundits appeared torn on whether Kai Havertz or Niclas Fuellkrug should start.
Havertz started in all three of Germany's group games, with a goal and assist in 211 minutes in the tournament. In contrast, Fuellkrug came off the bench to score twice in only 73 minutes, presenting a selection dilemma for Nagelsmann.
"I have made my decision but I will not disclose it until tomorrow," Nagelsmann told a press conference on Friday, keeping his cards close to his chest.
"I think (Fuellkrug's) role has been really important and a player doesn’t need to start to have a big role for the team. It's always about making the most of the opportunities you have.
"(Fuellkrug's) heart and dedication has helped the team a lot bringing big energy from the bench. But as far as who will start against Denmark, that's something you will know tomorrow."
Nagelsmann said that he expects a great atmosphere at a sold-out Dortmund BVB Stadion and that his players will rely on their fans to give them an extra boost against Denmark.
The 36-year-old manager said that playing at home does not add more pressure on Germany to deliver, if anything the team has felt more energised.
"I always stress that it is a privilege for the players to be able to perform in front of their home fans. The pressure is the same as always because the expectations in Germany is always high," Nagelsmann said.
"I have great confidence in the team. I know what they are capable of and what they can achieve. Nevertheless, every game is special but you can't afford to make any big mistakes.
"I think the guys will go to the game with a very good feeling and hopefully fulfil the huge expectations our fans have."
Nagelsmann said he is confident that defender Antonio Ruediger will be available for Saturday's match after sustaining a minor hamstring injury.
The coach said that the Real Madrid defender has been "looking good" in practice, and will provide major reinforcement for the Germans who will miss defender Jonathan Tah through suspension. (Reporting by Fernando Kallas, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
O Kaydeepromopic ?media Id=124812276809644Kay Dee Designs 2024 Calendar Towel Bee Kind 693776 700x700 ?v=1688046183Kay Dee Ka Something Prod Paxah Mp3 Image F3452 ?sw=720Kay Dee Ghetto Story Mp3 Image IMG 20200827 WA0024 ?url=https California Times Brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com Da C7 8d1cbba34953b523081e4ac0b6a3 497085 Ig 0227 Kat Von D Mrt 04.JPGKay Dee Ft SabZee Fulukutu Mp3 Image Ab67616d0000b2737c0e73237583a3ad23fcbf6bIMG 20200827 WA0023 IMG 20230526 WA0146 1080x1080 Artworks 000645260257 Jronq4 T500x500 Kaydee Back 1537367f Cc02 4b98 B1af 1a5a57a733d8 Grande.JPG?v=14708949487519379134 C86350c676 Z ?media Id=100046361868035KayDee Aug31 Main Scaled E1661899339567 ?quality=100&strip=allAb67616d0000b273b950815b41d989b65916b0c5?media Id=100035350556655Maxresdefault Image Slide 2 ?v=21906070925854534081694797934Image Slide 3 ?v=18906527587432175981655504594Image Slide 4 ?v=92936883883105060831685053420?media Id=100063863643912IMG 20230408 WA0205 1080x1080 Sb Banner ?v=32445700078461265261487683958Image Slide 1 ?v=35463058847970462621694797322Maxresdefault Kaydee Guillaume 2018 4fb5e49ee40fa Kay Dee Summer Cover 086ab9e4 Fb63 4625 827d B825914d219e 1.f0d6cf46c25da53761f8d4de3868e7a2 Image Slide 3 ?v=117417467286866754101700320353