Germany's national football team announced on Tuesday that they will host two friendly matches against Ukraine and Greece in June, just days before the start of the European championships on home soil.
The Germans will first play against Ukraine in Nuremberg on June 3, followed by a match against Greece in Moenchengladbach four days later. The Euro 2024 tournament is set to kick off on June 14, with Germany facing Scotland in their first Group A match.
"We have to prepare for different styles and systems of opponents ahead of the Euro (2024)," stated Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann. "Ukraine and Greece are two fighting, passionate teams, and we had problems with such opponents lately."
Nagelsmann, who took charge following the departure of Hansi Flick in September 2023, has had a mixed start with the team. Despite a win and a draw during a U.S. trip in October, they suffered two consecutive losses in Austria and at home against Turkey in November.
With the Euros looming less than 100 days away, there is increasing pressure on Nagelsmann and his team to deliver strong performances. "That is why both these teams, after the matches against France and Netherlands (in March), are the right tests," Nagelsmann emphasized.
Germany will travel to France on March 23 and host the Netherlands three days later in their upcoming friendly matches this month.
(Source: Reuters)
