EMRE CAN reckons Germany can be the cream of the crop after recruiting an official hairdresser to their squad.
One of the criticisms of the World Cup campaign in 2022 was that the players brought in their own barber during their short stay in Qatar and he was available on demand at their luxury resort in the north of the desert country.
It led to claims that they were more concerned with their fringes than football after Germany crashed out in the group stage.
The German FA have now appointed a team crimper but he is only allowed to cut the players’ hair on Saturdays so that the tournament comes first.
Former Liverpool star Can was drafted into the squad late last week after illness struck Aleksandar Pavlovic.
The midfielder said: “I had a haircut on Saturday. I didn’t get the chance on Thursday because everything was so quick.
“But I have to admit I never understood the discussion in the case of men’s haircuts. It doesn’t look good if you don’t have a regular haircut so I have to go every week.”
Can, 30, was at home last Thursday having breakfast with his wife when Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann handed him the emergency call up via a phone call.
GERMANY’S reputation as tournament football’s greatest nation has taken a battering in recent years.
The hosts haven’t won a knockout game in eight years and the pressure is on for them to get it right in front of their home crowd.
MANAGER: Julian Nagelsmann
Bright, young and a bit of a maverick. The ex-Bayern Munich boss is known for his flashy outfits and arriving for training on a skateboard.
STAR MAN: Jamal Musiala
The 21-year-old former Chelsea star could have been playing for England and can make things happen out of nothing.
How Germany attack
Toni Kroos will typically drop deep to take the ball off the defence with the Germans then overloading the side of the pitch the ball is on.
That gives them the option of either passing through the congested area or attacking the other side with a crossfield ball to the man in space.
How Germany defend
Germany’s striker and the team’s five midfielders will form a diamond shape in the hope of preventing the opposition playing through the middle.
Should opponents then play the ball wide, the German full-backs will be expected to press high up the pitch in an attempt to win possession.
Read the full Germany Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags
He was expecting the summer off after playing in the Champions League final with Borussia Dortmund – losing to Real Madrid at Wembley.
Can said: “I was off for ten days and didn’t do anything. And I had a lot of food. I didn’t expect to come into a match on Friday against Scotland. I was surprised.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
“Wembley was not easy for my head. Ten days off with no football were mentally important. My wife had her birthday during the match and was there, so I was very happy about that.
“Of course I was disappointed that the coach didn’t call me in the first place but hopefully this is just the beginning.”
Germany spanked Scotland 5-1 in the opening game and next face Hungary in Stuttgart on Wednesday.
Can said: “We know Hungary very well. They are difficult to play against. But we have to focus on ourselves and take the energy from Friday with us.”
EURO 2024 LIVE: LATEST UPDATES FROM THE TOURNAMENT
Germany’s Wags range from a glam architect to a leading equestrian and a fashion model.
Dani ter Stegen (Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s wife)
One of Germany’s most popular Wags with over 600,000 Instagram followers. Earned a degree in architecture after moving to Barcelona with her husband.
Sara Gundogan (Ilkay Gundogan’s wife)
Italian model was never shy to pop a dig at Manchester while Ilkay was at Man City, but has changed her tune and said she misses the city since his move to Barcelona.
Jessica Kroos (Toni Kroos’ wife)
Couple first met when Toni was 18 and she was 20. Jessica is credited with convincing the soon-to-retire Germany star to sign a new Real Madrid deal at a time when he was wavering.
Candice Brook (Leroy Sane’s girlfriend)
American model helped Harry Kane get used to Germany and overcome the language barrier following his move to Bayern Munich.
Sophia Weber (Kai Havertz’s fiancee)
Soon-to-be Mrs Havertz has struck up a close friendship with Martin Odegaard’s partner Helene Spilling. Sophia recently enjoyed a hen party in Ibiza.
Lisa Muller (Thomas Muller’s wife)
Lisa is a famous dressage rider in Germany and reportedly convinced her husband not to join Man Utd.
