Euro 2024: ‘Germany in precarious position’ as tournament gets under way

That said, the general euphoria in Germany has taken a hit shortly before the opening game.

Before the final two friendlies against Ukraine and Greece, a poll commissioned by public broadcaster WDR angered the head coach and people higher up at the German Football Association (DFB).

In the poll, Germans were asked whether they disliked the fact that Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan has Turkish roots – 17% said they did and 21% said they would prefer to see more “white players” play for the national team.

“We are playing a Euro campaign for everyone in the country. I hope I never have to read anything about this poll ever again,” Nagelsmann said after the results were made public.

For the past 15 years or so, it has become quite evident that players who are the sons or grandsons of immigrants are accepted as team players by a portion of Germany’s population as long as ‘Die Mannschaft’ are winning. Otherwise, they are accused of not giving their all for Germany because they are supposedly not ‘real’ patriots.

Mesut Ozil, who played a significant part in Germany’s World Cup win in 2014, complained about that dichotomy in the past. Obviously, no-one inside DFB headquarters would ever question Gundogan, Antonio Rudiger or Leroy Sane’s commitment. These are key players whom Nagelsmann absolutely relies on.

What has also hampered the mood to an extent were two lacklustre performances in the latest friendlies – a goalless draw against Ukraine and a 2-1 win over Greece.

Greece took a surprise lead in the first half after Manuel Neuer’s mistake from a Christos Tzolis shot. The long-time Germany and Bayern goalkeeper’s errors are piling up these days, causing lively discussions over whether Nagelsmann should have made Neuer first-choice keeper once again.

Both friendlies were reminiscent of many outings under Flick, despite evidence of Nagelsmann’s tactical approach. Still, it seems as if 36-year-old Nagelsmann hasn’t quite figured out how to break down underdog teams who focus primarily on pressing and transition attacks.