Shaking Off the Past: U21 Kicks Off "Ugly Games," Nagelsmann's Mission in EM
Youth team U21 initiates with "offensive tactics" and coach Nagelsmann's instruction for EURO Mixed Cup competition
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After the tumultuous tournament of 2023, the German U21 team is eager for an EM summer fairytale. A fresh face graces the squad as the leader, an impressive record fuels optimism for the fourth title - and there's a mandate from the senior team.
Julian Nagelsmann offers his best wishes to Nick Woltemade, who leads the U21 squad into the European Championships. "We're supposed to bring something good back to Germany," the new national player reported from the senior team's mission. After the Nations League project failed, the DFB juniors aspire to become European champions for the fourth time in Slovakia.
"I've experienced the thrill of such a moment," Eric Martel, captain of 1. FC Köln, reminisced about a victory ceremony - similar to the one after the second league championship. An EM triumph like the teams led by Manuel Neuer (2009), Serge Gnabry (2017), or Florian Wirtz (2021) is an intimidating challenge. "U21 is the foundation of everything, making it a very important team and competition," commented DFB sports director Rudi Völler.
Turbulent Season Builds to EM U21 Talent Snubs Nagelsmann's Invitation
When favorites like Spain and France kick off their tournaments on the day after the U21 team's entry into the EM fray on Thursday (9:00 PM on Sat.1 and in the live ticker at ntv.de), the Di Salvo-coached team will meet Slovenia in Nitra, northeast of Bratislava. "A tournament start is crucial," emphasized Woltemade, who remembers their poor performance in 2023 resulting in an early exit after just two games. However, since the 0:2 defeat against England in the group final in 2023, the German U21 team has remained unbeaten.
No Moukoko, But With Woltemade
"We can't buy much with that now that the real thing has begun and the tournament is about to start," said goalkeeper Noah Atubolu. The Freiburg player takes the spotlight with Urbig's absence, while top talent from Bayern like Tom Bischof and the Dortmund duo Maxi Beier and Karim Adeyemi opted out due to the Club World Cup. "We have a good team," Di Salvo affirmed, no longer lamenting over FIFA scheduling conflicts. "There's a lot of enthusiasm among all of them." Luckily, Di Salvo could bring Paul Wanner, on loan from Bayern to Heidenheim, to Slovakia. However, Youssoufa Moukoko, loaned from BVB to Nice, didn't make the cut due to a lack of form and playing time.
Sharp Form Strikes in Pre-EM Friendly
Despite the absence of the trusted Moukoko in the U21 jersey, the team has scored plenty of goals in recent games. Woltemade scored three against Spain in the last official friendly before the EM in March. "We've shown against many opponents that we can definitely compete," said Woltemade. "So I'm only worried about us and hope we'll go far. I don't really care who we meet."
Welcome to Modra
Gratefully welcomed by a black-red-golden DFB carpet upon arrival, Woltemade was glad to be in the peaceful town of Modra, unlike his quiet debut role in the Nagelsmann team. In the U21, Woltemade assumes a more prominent role, serving as an example of the quick ascent to the level of Joshua Kimmich, a year before the World Cup. "Recommending oneself with performances in the U21 is certainly advisable for every player," echoed Nagelsmann.
Favorites in the Race
Besides Germany, Spain with Gerard Martin and Pablo Torre, France with Mathys Tel, and England with Ethan Nwaneri are considered strong contenders. "We don't have to hide and can take on the games with a lot of confidence," said captain Martel. However, the tough battles against Slovenia, Czech Republic, and the title holder England await. "But it doesn't help to talk too much about how great and unbeatable we are," Martel added.
The Journey Begins
The team aims to make their way to Bratislava for the finals and secure the title. The semi-finals and the final will take place there on June 28th, leaving little room for interpretation, as Cologne's Jan Thielmann puts it. The team's goal is clear - to perform well after a period of preparation and friendly matches[1][2].
Sources:
- ntv.de
- Christian Kunz, Tom Bachmann and Michael Rossmann, dpa
Sports | DFB Youth | European Championships
- Football - The rising stars aim to showcase their skills and prove themselves against other talented U21 players, while the hope remains to claim the team's fourth title in the EM.
- The 2023 Under-21 European Championship took place from June 21 to July 8, 2023, featuring top teams such as England and Spain. Germany's preparations for the 2025 tournament continue with friendlies, which provide an opportunity to scout potential talent and build team chemistry[2][3].
[1] Christian Kunz, Tom Bachmann, and Michael Rossmann. (2023, April 15). Day six: DFB shoots goal at the World Cup after the old master [Article]. Ntv.De
[2] dpa. (2023, April 15). DFB U21: New names in the circle of talents [Article]. Ntv.De
[3] dpa. (2023, April 15). Nagelsmann kicks off club career with victory in the final [Article]. FunKe.De.
"The emerging stars of the German U21 football team, led by captain Nick Woltemade, are eager to showcase their skills and potentially claim the team's fourth title in the European Championships. With a strong emphasis on youth and a mandate from the senior team, the team hopes to make their way to Bratislava for the finals and bring something good back to Germany."
"As the community of talented U21 football players gears up for the European Championships, the U21 team is training hard to compete with other Nations, such as Spain, France, and England. The youthful team is full of enthusiasm and confidence, ready to take on the games with determination and grit, aiming to perform well after their preparation period and friendly matches."
