Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan expects Scotland to supply a tough take a look at for his aspect within the opening match of Euro 2024.
The Barcelona midfielder is in search of to finish a decade of torment for Die Mannschaft by guiding the three-time European Champions to the latter phases of the match on dwelling soil.
The 33-year-old moved to the Nou Camp after seven years at Man Metropolis final season and can come head to head with quite a lot of acquainted faces, not least Man United rival Scott McTominay and Liverpool’s Andy Robertson, the Scotland captain.
“I anticipate a troublesome sport,” he advised a pre-match press convention. “I do know numerous gamers from the Premier League. They’re very skilled.
“I do suppose they are often tough however they’re additionally good when it comes to how they play. We should not underestimate them.
“I’ve respect for them, but when we play to our potential, I feel now we have a great probability of profitable the sport tomorrow.”
Wichtig, am Ende den Sieg geholt zu haben – noch 7 Tage! 🇩🇪🏟️💪🏼 // Necessary to get this win ultimately – 7 days left! 🇩🇪🏟️💪🏼 #Euro2024 pic.twitter.com/N0fHJ4rdxd
— Ilkay Gündogan (@IlkayGuendogan) June 7, 2024
Gundogan has received 77 caps over a 13-year worldwide profession however missed Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph in Germany as a consequence of a again damage.
He revealed he went to help the nationwide staff within the fan festivals aged 15 when Germany hosted their final main match – the 2006 World Cup, during which they completed third underneath Jurgen Klinsmann.
“It’s an enormous privilege not solely to steer the staff onto the pitch as captain, but additionally to play with my teammates in my nation. You don’t get such an opportunity fairly often,” he mentioned.
“I used to be on the fan festivals as a teenager in 2006. To now be a part of this staff and to signify the German individuals is an honour. We wish to make them proud.”
Gündogan with Germany within the final coaching earlier than the match in opposition to Scotland. #EURO2024 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/1gsMtLdhwu
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) June 13, 2024
Gundogan hailed the affect of head coach Julian Nagelsmann who took over the position in September after Gundogan’s new membership boss Hansi Flick grew to become the primary German coach ever to be fired.
Having not received a knockout sport since Euro 2016, German followers have been put via the mill over latest years, however Gundogan mentioned: “It helped us that the coach assigned clear roles.
“After the detrimental experiences of the previous tournaments, everybody is aware of what’s at stake and what they must do.
“That provides us a sure sense of safety. The ends in the apply matches communicate for the great morale and ambiance within the staff.”
