Neuer calls on Germany to stay grounded
Manuel Neuer called on Germany to stay grounded after its flying start to Euro 2024, warning the clash with Hungary in Stuttgart on Thursday will be a step up.
Germany recorded the biggest ever win in the opening game of a European Championship last Friday, thumping Scotland 5-1 with Florian Writz, Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Niclas Fullkrug and Emre Can all on target.
It was also Germany's largest victory at the Euros, as it underlined its credentials after a turbulent build-up to its home tournament.
Germany will be heavily favoured against a Hungary side well beaten by Switzerland in its first game, but Neuer – who is playing at his eighth major tournament – says Julian Nagelsmann's squad will not get carried away.
"The trust is what's important and the trust among us as team-mates and the coaching staff is very high," The Bayern Munich veteran said. "We have started preparations for the Hungary game and the focus and concentration is increasing.
"Against Scotland we dominated from the start. We scored after 10 minutes and that did us a lot of good, but we have our feet on the ground.
"We have some self-confidence now but Hungary will be a different level. This is a warning for us and we will not underestimate them."
If Neuer appears at another game at these Euros, he will pass Hugo Lloris outright for the appearance record among goalkeepers at World Cups and European Championships combined. The duo are level with 35 apiece.
Hungary was distinctly second best in its 3-1 defeat to Switzerland on matchday one and may need a result against the host to have a realistic chance of progressing.
Coach Marco Rossi knows his side faces a mighty task, claiming Germany is favourite to win the tournament.
"I dare anybody to bet one Hungarian Forint on us. As of today that looks impossible," Rossi said. "Germany are a different team than the last Euros, they proved it against Scotland. In my opinion, they are the biggest favourites for the European Championship."
Reflecting on the Switzerland defeat, he added: "We had some shortcomings in individual performances.
"There aren't many strategies to stop individual mistakes. It's hard to say anyone did well apart from two or three performances."