Overview
- The national squad reconvened on Monday in Großwallstadt for the first EM preparation camp and will play two friendlies in Granollers as an opening test of team shape.
- Aimée von Pereira ended her playing career this summer for health reasons and Xenia Smits is on a maternity break, leaving clear gaps on the defensive line that the coaches must fill.
- Gaugisch said he will rely on the proven core that won World Championship silver last year while working intensely to re-establish automatism and defensive organisation.
- Germany’s preparation calendar is set and includes Golden League matches at the end of October against Denmark and the Netherlands and two November rematches with France.
- The programme is designed to simulate tournament pressure ahead of the European Championship from 3 to 20 December, with Germany’s preliminary round in Bratislava and the main round and finals in Katowice, and it also opens opportunities for younger players to stake claims for the final EM squad.