Nagelsmann urges Germany to beat pressure of being Euro 2024 hosts

Julian Nagelsmann is confident his side can beat the pressure of being the host nation as they prepare to kick off the tournament against Scotland on Friday.

The 36-year-old is taking charge of his first major tournament with Germany after taking over from Hansi Flick in September and has lost just one of his eight games since taking over.

Germany have struggled in recent major tournaments, getting knocked out of Euro 2020 in the round of 16 before crashing out of the 2022 World Cup in the group stages.

However, Die Mannschaft are aiming to end that run, chasing a fourth European title and their first since 1996, with Nagelsmann confident his team can channel their nervous energy into positive performances.

“I think we’re a bit nervous, but it’s an important point, we have to have a certain nervousness,” he said. “There was such a buzz [in the camp], a bit like in school. It was really loud: ‘Can everyone please calm down a bit!’.

“I look in our players’ eyes and see the belief and will to win. I want us to believe in ourselves: we have great players, good togetherness, home advantage, we’ve had great training sessions and a good mentality.

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“We have everything: we just have to show it tomorrow, and that’s why belief is very important.

“We can beat pressure, and we can beat Scotland as well.”

Scotland arrive as heavy outsiders and are making just their fourth appearance at the Euros compared to Germany’s record 14.

The Tartan Army qualified second in their group after a strong opening to their campaign, and Nagelsmann praised their performances under Steve Clark.

“They don’t have world stars, but that makes them very dangerous,” he added. “They work very hard and have a classic mentality, but it’s not a kick and rush team. They can do that, but they can play football.

“We will have more pressure on us than Scotland, and they will want to capitalise on that.”