The Werkself trio can take a break up to 2 June before the Germany squad meets up in Venlo for a short training camp in preparation for the two qualifiers.
While Julian Brandt and Kai Havertz will then be able to go on holiday, the services of Jonathan Tah will be required for the U21 European Championships (16 to 30 June in Italy and San Marino). Three days after the Estonia match, the 23-year-old defender will join up with the rest of the Germany junior squad at their team HQ. At the U21 Euros, the holders Germany face Denmark (17 June, 21.00 CET) and Serbia (20 June, 21.00 CET) in the group stage. "Jonathan Tah knows this situation as he is one of the key players in the U21s and the captain. At the same time, we want to keep on introducing him at the highest level," said Germany coach Joachim Löw in explaining his decision before adding: "Basically, players who have been with the senior squad obviously gain in confidence. And that can only help the U21s in a tournament."
Germany U21 coach Stefan Kuntz highlighted Tah's role as an "absolute leader on and off the pitch". According to Kuntz, the Werkself number four will not find it difficult joining up with the rest of the team at the training camp (2 to 11 June in South Tyrol).
The Croatia Football Association announced on Monday that Tin Jedvai is in the World Cup runners-up squad for the Euro qualifier against Wales (8 June) and for the friendly against Tunisia (11 June).
Issa Traoré is moving from Bayer 04 Leverkusen to Slovakian top-flight side AS Trencin. The club has loaned the centre-back out for one year to this year’s ninth-placed team in the Slovakian league.
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Assistant coach Remzi Kahraman is leaving the Bayer 04 Women’s team with immediate effect to take up a new challenge abroad. The club has agreed to the 31-year-old’s request to leave, although his contract was originally due to run until 2027. A decision on his successor will be announced shortly.
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At the U19 European Championship in Wales, the Germany U19 national team lost their third and final group match 4-0 to Spain. Several regulars, including Bayer 04 players Montrell Culbreath and Francis Onyeka (on loan to SV Elversberg), who had combined for four goals and assists in the two previous victories, did not feature,. Germany had already secured their place in the semi-finals with a game to spare.
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Two weeks into the preseason, the Bayer 04 Women have secured their first victory. Coach Roberto Pätzold’s team won their first friendly 2–0 against Bundesliga newcomers Mainz 05. In front of 160 spectators at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre, the two summer signings, Maja Sternad (80’) and Justine Brandau (90’), scored for the Black and Reds.
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