German midfielder Toni Kroos acknowledged the pressure on the team as they prepare to host the 2024 European Football Championship. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Kroos stated that the team feels a responsibility to perform well but also expressed the pride and excitement of playing a major tournament in front of their home crowd.
Germany will kick off their Euro 2024 campaign on Friday with a Group A match against Scotland in Munich, followed by matches against Hungary and Switzerland. Kroos, who recently won the Champions League with Real Madrid and plans to retire after the tournament, emphasized the unique opportunity for players to participate in a major competition on home soil.
"In every tournament on our soil, there is pressure, it's even more special," Kroos said. "You get an immediate reaction, whether positive or negative. We have a big responsibility in terms of the atmosphere that will prevail in the country over the next few weeks. We know what it's all about, but it's a great pride and joy to play in this tournament."
Kroos also acknowledged the pressure on the team to deliver a strong performance after a decade without a major international title. However, he encouraged his teammates to embrace the moment and enjoy the rare opportunity to compete in front of their home fans.
"How many players can participate in a tournament on their land?" Kroos asked, highlighting the unique nature of this experience for the German team.
