Germany Isn't Afraid of Spain or Lamine Yamal
Germany's coach, Julian Nagelsmann, said they’re going out to win the match against Switzerland regardless of the fact that it might lead to facing Spain in the Euro quarterfinals if they also win their Round of 16 match.
"I think it's hard to tell your team, 'We want to lose tomorrow.' Normally, you play a football match to win it, and we want to win tomorrow's match," he said when asked if he would prefer to avoid a possible clash with La Roja if Germany finishes first in their group.
In the pre-match press conference before their game against Switzerland, which will be held this Sunday at Frankfurt Arena, the German national team coach explained that they want to win the match no matter who the next opponent is.
"We can't predict exactly who will be the opponent in the knockout stage. So, it's about gaining more rhythm, getting more confidence to win the next match, and being prepared to win the following ones," he stated.
Looking ahead to Sunday's game, Nagelsmann pointed out that, for now, he had no plans to change the team and wasn't worried about the risk of yellow cards, as he fully trusts his players: "If a player gets suspended, we'll send in another."
He also said that Switzerland was the toughest opponent in the group in terms of individual quality, while also praising their coach: "It's going to be a tough match, but we definitely want to win."
When asked about the pitch at Frankfurt Arena, which received criticism after the Denmark vs. England match for its poor condition, Nagelsmann said that the players have to be ready to play in any condition and that his only concern would be potential injuries.