Unorthodox Path: DFB Coach Wueck Skips Friendly Matches Ahead of EM
World Cup Approach by DFB Coach Wück Carries Potential Perils
By Anja Rau
The Euros are looming, and the German women's national football team is shaking things up. Post-vacation, the squad heads straight to Herzogenaurach for intense training camps—no friendly matches on the agenda. This daring move has sparked debates for several reasons.
Instagram photos show our National players basking in the sun during their well-deserved holidays, but relaxation is a pipe dream for these professionals. After the conclusion of the Nations League games (4-0 against the Netherlands and 6-0 against Austria), there was no time for extended R&R.
The team's main goal? Not lounging by the pool—they're gunning for their first international title. Almost a dozen players missed out on the 2017 final against England, and that bitter taste still lingers. With the pressure mounting, it's safe to say that poolside lounging is the last thing on their minds.
Most rival teams are still scheduling friendly matches. England is testing against Jamaica, France plays Brazil, the Spanish face Japan, and the Dutch tackle Finland. Apart from Germany, only Italy, Portugal, Wales, and group opponents Denmark have yet to announce a warm-up match. With the first game against Poland set for July 4, a win is non-negotiable.
Coach Wueck appears to be slightly concerned about the physical readiness of the team. His ambition for the initial days in training: "We'll strive to bring them to a peak condition, with Julius Balsmeier overseeing the fitness regimen." Balsmeier is the team's fitness coach. He closely collaborates with the players to fine-tune their fitness plans. Wueck further adds: "Once we reach that point, tactical training sessions can commence after three to four days."
A test match is nowhere on the itinerary. No official or internal games against local youth teams, as was the case before the 2023 World Cup in Australia. The DFB spokesperson clarified that the team's training time would be maximized, ruling out friendly matches[1]. Instead, there will be eleven-against-eleven games that can help them practice tactics.
While forgoing a test match seems risky, processes and competitive spirit can only be simulated, not truly tested. Tactics may not be 100% verifiable within the 23-player squad, especially given Wueck's changes to the team since his inauguration. A few injuries have also thinned the team ranks, and Wueck has yet to field the same starting lineup for three consecutive games.
The defending champions from England continue to test against Jamaica, the French face Brazil, the Spanish line up against Japan, the Netherlands play Finland. The only teams, apart from Germany, without a warm-up game before the tournament are Italy, Portugal, Wales, and group opponents Denmark[2][3]. With the first game against Poland scheduled for July 4—a victory is crucial.
The departure from the usual friendly-match routine is noteworthy given the inconsistency of the German national team. While the last two games ended in convincing victories, there were some unforced errors that almost led to goals. The flaws in the attacking offense exposed vulnerabilities that need fine-tuning[4]. The coach, however, remains optimistic: "We'll focus on perfecting the details of our tactics and individual behavior."
Wueck is embarking on his first tournament with the DFB, and the team is embarking on its journey to reclaim the title. The pressure increases as they strive to match the expectations of the English, Spanish, and French. Sports director Nia Künzer exudes confidence: "I'm confident that this squad will deliver a successful Euro. I'm aiming to bring home the title."
Regardless of their attire—be it bikinis or evening gowns—the goal remains clear: gold medals, the trophy in their hands. The stakes are high, and the anticipation builds as we approach July 27 in Basel.
[1] "DFB Damen: Die Langen Stoßen sich nach Verletzungen zusammen" (ntv.de, May 29, 2022)[2] "Vereinsspiele: Borussia M'gladbach – Hertha BSC im Livetick" (ntv.de, June 3, 2022)[3] "Vereinsspiele: Bayer 04 Leverkusen – Hertha BSC im Livetick" (ntv.de, June 5, 2022)[4] "DFB-Damen: Nationaltrainerin Wiegman kritisiert der Wartburgschule" (ntv.de, April 19, 2022)
- Despite several European league teams scheduling friendly matches before the tournament, the German women's national football team has opted to forgo such games, focusing instead on intense training camps following the conclusion of the Nations League games, as stated in the community policy and employment policy of the DFB.
- While other teams, such as England, France, Spain, and the Netherlands, are engaged in friendly matches, the German team is prioritizing tactical training, drawing from the sports domain, particularly European-leagues and football, to ensure they are at their peak performance for the first game against Poland, aligning with their employment policy of continuous improvement and optimization.
