Blues Add Texier, Extend Center With 2-year Deal
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)
B01e8a0b1bf9c804c7a41ec5490247a0 Models Overall 3A56230A 714A 4E11 BB7C 167E61BD6E73 1 201 A 1280x843 3899b740178237.5774ded749650 FDFJG2GGE38R1HM ?auto=webp&fit=bounds&frame=1&height=1024&width=1024auto=webp&frame=1&height=300550c1642d36b8606245340c04c85becf JZHO01W 03 2d2815d4fc5aa6cbd8ef293a1c88e420 Building Villa House Scale Model Wood Kit 8 66bd325c2bd762717bfa02f97b0d5e27 B041e1a008937df900ea8bd63ac566f2 Maxresdefault Maxresdefault 04e2bf557a92a272dec8d95bc0bf8d95 2687a9e9bd17b3b54ade7ec9be0b1290 E363d5d755f5a41651f038b5fac6e10b A722b5cf966f335768751a2526758bfd 15.6 Street Shops Background Buildings 480x467 7fc9a353d8b38a7d1221b22b9529366d Ccb7acd94c0a7f6432c0f07a83c4cecd 26B74268 5F32 4813 9895 1C497175C855 705x705 Bbab52f8ec9612a585ee62b1cfc4654d 0e3f9f36cfebd9e922513d0698004c23 9e9d5f290820bc555aa00173bff74168 Diorama Buildings C14sizesdetailshousemodelshoscaleoogauge Maxresdefault Scale Model House Palos2 1 ?w=2000&ssl=10f04ae99e85f5ab5dc936a861b8c84ab DSC 5879 1024x711 C4d4bfb1d6dc98b32d621f2bf464bd35 Maxresdefault Yokohama Garagex 768x576
Blues Add Texier, Extend Center With 2-year Deal
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)
