Germany wary of ‘under pressure’ Hungary, says Nagelsmann

AFP | Stuttgart

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said yesterday his side would not underestimate a wounded and “under pressure” Hungary in Wednesday’s Euro 2024 clash in Stuttgart.

Hungary, considered by many the second-best side in the group, were soundly beaten 3-1 by Switzerland in their first game and will slide close to elimination should they lose again on Wednesday.

“Hungary after that result are a little more under pressure than we are,” said Nagelsmann, adding “they deserved more than they got” against Switzerland.

Hosts Germany, under pressure after almost a decade of poor performances at major tournaments before Friday’s Euro opener, were dominant in thrashing Scotland 5-1, but Nagelsmann said his side would not underestimate Hungary.

“They’ll be a bit more offensive against us than they were against Switzerland,” said Nagelsmann.

But the 36-year-old coach added that his side cannot come onto the pitch “expecting to shoot the opponent out of the stadium”. He also lauded the “extreme physicality” of the Hungarian side.

“They have a clear offensive system which gives us chances if we defend well but poses risks if we defend poorly,” said Nagelsmann.

The German boss added that Hungary “are great in counters and transitions” but said the result “depends on how we perform and how we get into the game”. “We are trying to give them similar challenges (as we did Scotland),” said Nagelsmann.

Germany goalkeeper and 2014 World Cup winner Manuel Neuer on Monday said he shared his coach’s sentiments, saying experience showed him that teams can fall back to earth after impressing in a tournament opener.

“It’s a very tough team to play against that naturally tries to be aggressive in tackles.

We’ve already experienced that in the other games,” said Neuer.