´No group of death´ for Germany, but Nagelsmann not taking Scotland lightly

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann was relieved to see the Euro 2024 hosts avoid the dreaded ‘group of death’ at Saturday’s draw, but he will not be taking their opponents lightly.

As tournament hosts, Germany were placed into Group A, being joined by Hungary, Scotland and Switzerland.

Germany will face Scotland in the tournament’s opening game in Munich on June 14, before taking on Hungary in Stuttgart five days later and rounding off their group against the Swiss in Frankfurt on June 23.

With the likes of Italy, Croatia and the Netherlands lurking outside pot one, Nagelsmann acknowledged Germany could have received a more difficult draw, though he thinks Scotland will pose a particular challenge after impressing in qualifying.

“I think it’s a very interesting group,” the former Bayern Munich boss told ZDF.

“The opening game against Scotland will of course be emotional. They have great fans, it will be a nice start in Munich.

“Hungary and Switzerland also have some Bundesliga players, and I’ve been able to train some of them myself, I know a few players there. There are a few exciting duels.

Here’s who we’ll face in the group stages of next summer’s European Championship

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“We let the emotions out when the games start, we don’t talk too much beforehand, but we have a path that we want to take.

“It’s an interesting group in which we want to assert ourselves, that’s clear.

“It’s not a group of death, but there are no really bad opponents if you look at the qualifying rounds. The teams have all left better-rated names behind them.”

Rudi Voller, the 1990 World Cup-winning striker who became Germany’s national team director in February, echoed Nagelsmann’s thoughts after the draw was completed.

“I’ll be honest, there were scenarios with Italy and the Dutch,” he said. “If you get into a group with them, it’s the so-called group of death. We were spared that.

“But we are not in a situation where we disrespect any opponents or take them lightly. Those times are over.

“It’s challenging, but I’m especially looking forward to the opening game against the Scots. These are wonderful games. With their fans, who will definitely come to the opening game, it is an honour.”

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