Scotland’s chief executive Ian Maxwell has shared some details about the national team’s plans for the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament in Germany, where they will face the hosts, Hungary and Switzerland in Group A.
Scotland to play friendlies in March and May
Maxwell said that Scotland will play two friendly matches in March and another two in May, before heading to their training base in Germany. He said that the opponents and venues for these games are yet to be confirmed, but they will be chosen to suit Scotland’s style and tactics.
“We want to play teams that will give us a good test and prepare us for the challenges we will face in the group stage,” he said. “We also want to play in stadiums that will have a similar atmosphere and environment to what we will experience in Germany.”
He added that Scotland will try to arrange some training sessions with other teams that are based in Germany, such as England, Wales or Northern Ireland, to share ideas and learn from each other.
Scotland to set up camp in Dusseldorf
Maxwell revealed that Scotland have chosen Dusseldorf as their base for the Euro 2024 tournament, where they will stay at a hotel near the airport and train at a nearby sports complex. He said that the location was selected for its convenience, comfort and security.
“Dusseldorf is a great city with a lot of facilities and attractions for the players and staff to enjoy,” he said. “It’s also close to the three venues where we will play our group games, so we won’t have to travel too much. We have a good relationship with the local authorities and the hotel staff, who will make sure we have everything we need.”
He said that Scotland will have access to a gym, a swimming pool, a sauna and a massage room at the hotel, as well as a meeting room and a media centre. He said that the players will have some free time to relax and explore the city, but they will also follow a strict schedule and a code of conduct.
“We want the players to feel comfortable and happy, but also focused and disciplined,” he said. “We have a lot of trust and respect for them, and we expect them to behave professionally and responsibly. We have a great team spirit and a positive culture, and we want to maintain that throughout the tournament.”
Scotland to face Germany in the opening game
Maxwell admitted that Scotland face a tough task in their first game of the tournament, when they will take on the hosts and favourites Germany in Munich on June 14. He said that Scotland will have to cope with the pressure and the expectations of playing in front of a packed crowd of 70,000 fans.
“It’s a huge honour and a privilege to play in the opening game of the Euro 2024,” he said. “It’s also a massive challenge and a great opportunity for us to show what we can do. We know that Germany are a world-class team with a lot of quality and experience, but we also have a lot of belief and confidence in ourselves.”
He said that Scotland will try to play their own game and not be intimidated by the occasion or the opposition. He said that Scotland have a lot of talent and character in their squad, and they will fight for every ball and every point.
“We have a lot of respect for Germany, but we don’t fear them,” he said. “We have a lot of players who play at the highest level and who have faced the best teams and players in the world. We have a lot of passion and pride for our country and our fans, and we will give everything we have on the pitch.”
He said that Scotland will aim to qualify for the knockout stage by finishing in the top two of their group, or as one of the four best third-placed teams. He said that Scotland have a realistic chance of achieving this goal, as they have shown in the past that they can compete with anyone.
“We have a lot of ambition and aspiration for this tournament,” he said. “We have worked hard and waited a long time to be here, and we don’t want to waste this opportunity. We want to make history and make our fans proud.”
