The German Football Association (DFB) has announced the preliminary 27-player squad for the upcoming UEFA European Championship in 2024, to be hosted on home soil. Notably absent from the list are experienced players Mats Hummels of Borussia Dortmund and Leon Goretzka of Bayern Munich, sparking discussions about the team’s strategy under new manager Julian Nagelsmann.
In a surprising move, Nagelsmann has opted to include four goalkeepers in the squad: Alexander Nübel (VfB Stuttgart), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Oliver Baumann (TSG Hoffenheim), and Marc-André ter Stegen (Barcelona). The decision to recruit four goalkeepers suggests a focus on strengthening the team’s defensive capabilities.
“We have nominated four goalkeepers, and we will go with four to the tournament,” Nagelsmann stated during the squad announcement. “Nübel has deserved the nomination. Having four keepers allows us to manage training sessions effectively and spread the workload. Manuel [Neuer] doesn’t always have to do it.”
Addressing the composition of the squad, Nagelsmann added, “That means 22 outfield players. I am very comfortable with that. Even if some players are missing, we can still conduct proper training sessions with at least 20 outfield players.”
The exclusion of Hummels and Goretzka has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Both players have been integral parts of the national team in recent years, contributing significantly to Germany’s international campaigns. Their omission signals a potential shift towards nurturing younger talent and reshaping the team’s dynamics ahead of the tournament.
Germany’s national team is under pressure to perform after a series of underwhelming results in recent international competitions. Hosting the European Championship adds to the expectations, with supporters eager to see the team reclaim its status as a dominant force in European football.
As preparations intensify, all eyes will be on how Nagelsmann’s selections impact the team’s performance. The final squad will be determined before the tournament kicks off, leaving room for changes based on players’ form and fitness levels.
Reference(s):
Germany leave Hummels, Goretzka out of preliminary Euro 2024 squad
cgtn.com
