Julian Naglesmann criticises ‘very greasy and tender’ Frankfurt pitch that England needed to play Denmark on at UEFA Euro 2024 because the Germany head coach warns gamers are prone to ‘severe harm’

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann admits considerations over the state of the Frankfurt Enviornment pitch have left him worrying whether or not his gamers will endure accidents of their closing Group A recreation in opposition to Switzerland. 

England laboured to a 1-1 draw in opposition to Denmark in Frankfurt on Thursday, with coach Gareth Southgate insisting his gamers had been ‘on edge’ as they struggled to maintain their toes when chunks of turf minimize up. 

Governing physique UEFA have stated the taking part in floor will probably be improved however Nagelsmann sounds unconvinced. ‘I hope that it holds up, however I’ve little hope. The grass is solely not good — very greasy, very tender,’ Nagelsmann stated. 

‘It’s like driving with summer season tyres within the winter. ‘After the NFL video games (on the stadium), the grass not grew nicely. I’m not so apprehensive by way of taking part in the sport, however what worries me extra is by way of accidents.

‘There are gamers akin to Jude Bellingham that we’ve got seen have had issues and risked some severe harm. 

The pitch minimize up as England laboured to a 1-1 draw in opposition to Denmark in Frankfurt on Thursday

UEFA have stated the taking part in floor will probably be improved however Nagelsmann sounds unconvinced

‘In the event you slip, you actually threat getting injured. However that is the scenario, these are the beginning circumstances. We should deal with them.’ 

Nagelsmann added: ‘There are moments that it’s important to be ready for as a participant, like when the ball generally goes astray or doesn’t roll fairly cleanly. ‘However we might do nicely to not simply discuss concerning the pitch — you generally see an honest recreation within the district league and the pitch is worse there.’ 

Germany have already secured their place within the final 16, after the hosts adopted up their opening win over Scotland by beating Hungary. 

Nagelsmann maintains his aspect should deal with the job in hand in opposition to Switzerland quite than fear about which crew they could face within the knockout part. ‘You play the video games to win. Will probably be the identical tomorrow,’ he stated. 

England have beforehand raised considerations over the state of the pitch on the Frankfurt Enviornment

‘We can not affect who our opponent will probably be within the knockout spherical. ‘That is about successful the sport, gaining extra confidence and it doesn’t matter who the subsequent opponent is.’ 

After beating Hungary after which coming from behind to attract with Scotland, Switzerland are nicely positioned on 4 factors to achieve the final 16 for the sixth time at a significant finals for the reason that 2010 World Cup. 

‘We obtained optimistic leads to the primary two video games and right here we are actually in an excellent scenario,’ stated Switzerland coach Murat Yakin. 

‘We don’t should win tomorrow, however we wish to present our qualities and provides Germany a tricky time. We now have ready nicely and wish to make our followers proud.’