Matjaž Kek is pleased that he will be able to take 26 footballers to Euro 2024: “I hope my head will hurt from too many options”
Photo: YouTube (NZS) - screenshot
On Wednesday, the Slovenian national team gathered at Brdo pri Kranju, which is gearing up for the Euro 2024. Coach Matjaž Kek has included 30 footballers on the extended list, meaning that four will have to stay home. In Germany, there will be room for 26 footballers, which is more than initially anticipated. However, the UEFA has increased the maximum number of travelers from 23 to 26, a decision that Matjaž Kek is pleased with.
“I knew this would happen some time ago, so I didn’t stress about it too much. But it provides a broader perspective. For me, it’s more important whether everyone can go on the bench. Sometimes it’s much harder to tell someone they have to sit in the stands than to choose the starting lineup. I’m a coach. On one side, I’m a coach, and on the other, a human. The prerequisite for success is good communication, which is mutual. From the coaching staff to the players and vice versa,” says the Maribor native.
Regarding the final list, which Slovenia must deliver to UEFA’s headquarters no later than June 7, Matjaž Kek added: “Everyone has things you can’t forget in such decisions. It’s known who pulled the team through the qualifiers. But at the same time, you can’t ignore good performances. I would take all 30 or even add 10 more. But 26 is 26. I hope it will be my decision and that my head will hurt from too many options. That it won’t be conditioned by injuries. We have players who are on the edge, some have years and years of careers ahead of them. Our team is young, especially the core that has formed through matches and good performances against Portugal. Two preparatory matches will be useful for us, but it won’t be easy to call someone aside and say – thank you very much. If anyone thinks this is easy… It’s not like that with me.“
This text was automatically translated using AI.
Author: editorial Football Planet
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