Ilkay Gündogan is optimistic about Germany’s upcoming quarter-final match against Spain after successfully boosting the nation’s spirits and meeting their goals at Euro 2024.
The midfielder emphasized the importance of striving for excellence to further progress in the competition. German head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, shared his strategy aimed at neutralizing Spain’s dominance, particularly focusing on players like Rodri and Lamine Yamal. Nagelsmann also mentioned having designated penalty takers in case the match extends to a shootout.
Nagelsmann expressed his focus on Jamal Musiala, highlighting the young talent’s skills and versatility on the field. He stressed the importance of maintaining composure and readiness for various challenges during the game.
Regarding Spain’s style of play, Nagelsmann acknowledged their effective pressing and direct approach towards goal. He mentioned the need for strategic solutions to counter Spain’s attacking tactics, particularly focused on limiting Rodri’s influence on the game.
Gündogan reflected on the upcoming match against Spain, acknowledging the high stakes of the quarter-final as each game now feels like a final. He expressed excitement about the opportunity to compete at a high level and emphasized the importance of maintaining and improving their performance in the upcoming games.
Gündogan shared insights on handling the pressure of potential penalty shootouts, emphasizing the importance of routine and composure in high-pressure situations. He acknowledged the difficulty of penalty kicks and the mental strength required to excel in such moments.
Spain’s manager, Luis de la Fuente, praised Germany’s qualities and stressed their strong collective performance. He humorously mentioned a hypothetical request to Uefa to restrict Toni Kroos’ influence on the game. De la Fuente reiterated his respect for Germany’s team and highlighted the need to limit Kroos’ passing options during the match.
