Great Hope: A Spirit of Optimism for the Germany National Soccer Team

There is a special air of anticipation around the German national team ahead of this summer’s European Championships, set on home turf across 10 German cities. Long gone are the echoes of disappointment from the 2022 World Cup group stage exit.

Instead, there is a new sense of joy and unity in the team under new national coach Julian Nagelsmann and his assistants Sandro Wagner and Benjamin Glück. 

Many things have changed, not least the way the team now sees and presents itself as a strong group. Looking ahead to the first games in June, this team is a close-knit unit.  

One new player of this up-and-coming generation is Deniz Undav, one of the biggest surprises in this year's Bundesliga season. The 27-year-old striker, who is on loan to Stuttgart from Brighton & Hove Albion, is one of the latest additions to Nagelsmann's squad and made his debut in a friendly against France in March. For him, being able to give something back to the fans is one of the greatest gifts a footballer can receive.  

"My family told me to enjoy my time with the national team," says Deniz. "I think it's important to stay true to yourself and not let it change you." For the German-Turkish newcomer, it's ultimately about giving something back to the fans: "The team wants to repay the fans with good performances."

Alongside Undav, the German attack includes Niclas Füllkrug, who found his way into the squad ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. "As the team grows, every player learns how they can have a positive influence on the group," says Niclas. “As a kid, the national team is the greatest thing there is. It's the biggest dream you can achieve as a footballer," he emphasizes.

"Everyone in this group, even those who don't have as many titles, can bring different experiences to the table. Even off the pitch, because they all had to fight for their careers in different ways. That's all very valuable."

Youngster Maximilian Beier, who is currently making waves at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, is another newcomer who is now looking for his way to contribute to the team. Even without years of experience, his role is clear, at least in the eyes of Nagelsmann. "I have been told I should be cheeky. I should prove myself and make life as difficult as possible for the others on the pitch. So I don't feel any pressure. I'm just looking forward to being here and being able to train with the guys."

But youthful enthusiasm and new energies alone won’t win titles. Returning to the national team is Toni Kroos, the old and new number 8, who has already demonstrated his incredible calm and charisma in the heart of the midfield in recent test matches.

Kroos has already achieved everything, most recently winning the Champions League once more with Real Madrid and thus crowning the end of his club career. He is aware of the responsibility and knows how his own successes can help others. "Winning the World Cup changes your life. It's the greatest thing there is. Nevertheless, I try to push others forward and make it clear that everyone has to take responsibility. But that only works if you act as a group."

Another key player is Joshua Kimmich, who has won more titles in recent years than most players do in their entire career. The FC Bayern Munich all-rounder knows the taste of victory well and wants to share it with his younger team-mates as a leader.

"You need courage to achieve something special and you have to be able to believe in yourself," he says. "You learn that with experience. But above all, you have to believe that you are capable of helping the group wherever you can." 

Another important part of the story of the new national team are players who know the team inside out, but also know how important it is to adapt and grow as part of a unit. Jonathan Tah, for example, can already look back on a long track record of success. He made his way through the youth ranks at Hamburger SV before being called up to the national team. With his current club Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Tah recently became Bundesliga champion and German Cup winner.

Now that he has established himself as a player and in private life, he is also ready to take on more responsibility. "It's important to stay grounded, no matter what. You need a base with your family that you can return to and that allows you to stay true to yourself, in good times and bad," he says. "I want to take on responsibility now and make sure that our team makes a difference." 

As the tournament gets underway in Germany, the dream of making a difference will continue to grow for Tah and everyone else in and around the team. And – no less importantly – for the fans too. Everyone now agrees that Nagelsmann's new ideas are creating a special spirit. And that gives hope that something special can happen. Slowly but surely, observers everywhere are sensing a new spirit surrounding the German team.

The key to success lies in having a common goal, and in creating a togetherness that goes beyond tactics and theory. With a series of good results in spring 2024, the effects are now being felt on the pitch. The focus is on a collective vision that will define the new German national team in the future. The recipe is a special blend of talent and experience, adaptability and clear ideas of roles and responsibilities. The ultimate goal is the sum of what each individual can bring to the table: a true unit, on and off the pitch.  

The summer of 2024 will hopefully be unforgettable for the German national players, the coaches and the fans. And as the national team has shown in recent months after the restart, it is prepared for anything. And it has the right spirit to go with it.