Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) has emphasized the importance of people with an immigration background in German society, including the national football team. “We can be proud that this is also reflected in our national team,” said the SPD politician during his government statement in the Bundestag.
He was apparently referring to a recently much-discussed survey by WDR, which the broadcaster had commissioned for a documentary about national players with migrant roots. Among other things, respondents were asked to take a position on the statement: “I would think it would be better if more white players played in the German national team again.” 21 percent agreed with this statement.
“They are all Germans, they are all our boys,” said the Chancellor in the Bundestag. Scholz stressed, referring to the more than 20 million citizens with an immigration background: “They are part of our society. We will not allow ourselves to be divided.”
WDR survey has already met with criticism
The WDR survey had already been met with sharp criticism, including from national coach Julian Nagelsmann. “I hope I never have to read such a crappy survey again,” Nagelsmann said during the DFB press conference before the European Championship friendly against Ukraine (0:0) last Monday in Nuremberg.
In his government statement a few days before the start of the European Championships at home, the Chancellor commented on the mood in the country. “Our country will show its best side this summer of football,” he said. Many are eagerly awaiting good games and guests from all over Europe. The security authorities have also prepared carefully. He therefore says to all citizens: “Don’t let the anticipation of this football festival, of this summer, be taken away from you.”
Final training before the last preparation game
Meanwhile, the national coach was able to complete the final training session for the national football team’s tournament dress rehearsal with all of the provisional European Championship nominees. The 28 players completed the last training session on Thursday morning in the team’s headquarters in Herzogenaurach before the warm-up match against Greece in Mönchengladbach on Friday.
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Shortly after the match, Nagelsmann must then report his final squad for the European Championship to the European Football Union UEFA. In addition to U21 guest player Rocco Reitz, one professional must also be removed from the squad.
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Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) has emphasized the importance of people with an immigration background in German society, including the national football team. “We can be proud that this is also reflected in our national team,” said the SPD politician during his government statement in the Bundestag.
He was apparently referring to a recently much-discussed survey by WDR, which the broadcaster had commissioned for a documentary about national players with migrant roots. Among other things, respondents were asked to take a position on the statement: “I would think it would be better if more white players played in the German national team again.” 21 percent agreed with this statement.
