Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan expects Scotland to supply a difficult check for his aspect within the opening match of Euro 2024.
The Barcelona midfielder is looking for to finish a decade of torment for Die Mannschaft by guiding the three-time European Champions to the latter phases of the event on house 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 various acquainted faces, not least Man United rival Scott McTominay and Liverpool’s Andy Robertson, the Scotland captain.
“I anticipate a troublesome recreation,” he instructed a pre-match press convention. “I do know quite a lot of 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 believe now we have probability of successful the sport tomorrow.”
Wichtig, am Ende den Sieg geholt zu haben – noch 7 Tage!
// Vital to get this win ultimately – 7 days left!
— 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 harm.
He revealed he went to assist the nationwide crew within the fan festivals aged 15 when Germany hosted their final main event – the 2006 World Cup, wherein they completed third beneath Jurgen Klinsmann.
“It’s an enormous privilege not solely to guide the crew onto the pitch as captain, but in addition 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 teen in 2006. To now be a part of this crew and to signify the German folks is an honour. We wish to make them proud.”
Gündogan with Germany within the final coaching earlier than the match towards Scotland. #EURO2024
pic.twitter.com/1gsMtLdhwu
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) June 13, 2024
Gundogan hailed the impression of head coach Julian Nagelsmann who took over the function 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 recreation since Euro 2016, German followers have been put by way of the mill over current years, however Gundogan mentioned: “It helped us that the coach assigned clear roles.
“After the unfavorable experiences of the previous tournaments, everybody is aware of what’s at stake and what they must do.
“That offers us a sure sense of safety. The ends in the apply matches converse for the nice morale and environment within the crew.”
