Swapping Scrimmages for Strategy: Germany's Unconventional Prep for EURO
World Cup Approach by DFB Coach Wück Carries Potential Risks
By J. R.
Social Media Links:Facebook · Twitter · WhatsApp · Email · Print · Copy Link
The UEFA Women's Euro Championship is rapidly approaching, and the German squad is shaking things up. After a much-needed break, it's straight to training camps, and national coach Norbert Welz has nixed any friendly matches. This move, riddled with risks, could make or break their chances at EURO glory.
Basking in the sun and sharing snaps with fans on Instagram, the German players are gearing up for the upcoming storm. In under a week, the roster of 23, led by captain Alexandra Popp, will convene in Herzogenaurach to kick off their EURO preparations – set to take place from July 2nd to 27th in Switzerland.
The Bundesliga season concluded over a month ago, but the long vacation is truly a mirage. The national players had little time to rest after their final games in the Nations League. They squared off against the Netherlands (4-0) and Austria (6-0) in late May and early June, showcasing some impressive victories.
National Team: Routine and Youth Meet in the DFB Squad
Now that league play is done, the real work begins. And contrary to what social media might portray, this team isn't just lounging about with Aperol Spritz and tapas. Stalwarts of the women's game – 21 of them played in the 2013 EURO final, with Sara Däbritz being the lone exception – are all aiming for their first international title, and they won't let a little relaxation get in the way.
Even so, coach Norbert Welz expressed concern about the team's fitness levels. His plan for those early days in Herzogenaurach? "[We] will try to get them to a level where Julian Balsmeier is currently at," said Balsmeier, the DFB team's fitness coach. After a few days, tactical training sessions can commence.
Official friendlies are off the table – but not completely. Although the team won't be playing any external matches, they'll engage in internal scrimmages to refine tactics and maintain game-like situations. This decision was made in consultation with the players, with priority given to maximizing training time.
A Risky Bet: Trainingcamp Sprint or Strategic Secrecy?
Welz's choice to scrap friendly matches is bold and unconventional. Several factors contribute to this risk:
- Competitive Character and Processes: Without competitive matches, it's challenging to simulate the intensity and reaction under pressure that comes with an actual game.
- Tactical Testing: Games against other teams expose your tactics and can reveal vulnerabilities. Without them, teams must rely on simulation and training to gauge their offensives and defenses.
- Injury Prevention: Friendlies provide an opportunity to test out players, including new ones or those returning from injury. Abstaining from these matches could increase the chances of untested or overworked players suffering injuries.
Welz has overseen training sessions for 33 players since he took the reins, initiated a team overhaul, and lost crucial players due to injury. After many trial runs, finding the winning starting lineup has proven elusive. Although met with criticism, his team displayed well in their last two matches, and their recent victories have given fans hope. But the challenge lies in maintaining offensive enthusiasm while addressing defensive weaknesses.
Popp's Panthers: A Champions' Test
While the Germans' plan is surprising, so are their potential rivals. England, Sweden, France, Spain, and the United States are all testing strategies against various opponents before the tournament. Apart from Italy, Portugal, Wales, and Denmark, Germany is the only nation not scheduling a friendly match prior to the championship.
As the defending champions, the pressure is on. The German Football Association (DFB) anticipates success, and sports director Nia Künzer is adamant, "I am convinced that we will play a successful Euro with this squad. I start the tournament with the goal of winning the title."
For Germany, the first game is against Poland on July 4th – a must-win match to set the momentum for the rest of their EURO campaign. Will the fitness labs and training grounds carry them to gold, or will they fall short on the field? Time will tell when they step onto the pitch on July 27th, with hopes of claiming Basel as their own.
Sources: ntv.de
The German team, led by captain Alexandra Popp, is preparing for the UEFA Women's Euro Championship by participating in internal scrimmages instead of official friendlies, as part of the unconventional training strategy devised by national coach Norbert Welz. This sports-analysis approach, aimed at refining tactics and maintaining game-like situations, follows a series of impressive victories against the Netherlands and Austria in the Nations League. Despite the risks associated with this approach, such as the inability to simulate game intensity and pressure, the team remains optimistic, with sports director Nia Künzer expressing confidence that they will play a successful Euro and win the title. Meanwhile, other potential rivals like England, Sweden, France, Spain, and the United States are testing different strategies against various opponents.
