Slovenia will travel to Euro 2024 with high aspirations: The main challenge is to ensure that the fans will also rejoice during the tournament in Germany

Published on 29. May 2024 29. May 2024

Photo: Vid Ponikvar / Sportida

“It is important to participate,” once said the legendary Pierre de Coubertin, the father of the modern Olympic Games. To this day, for many athletes, competing in the Olympic Games represents the pinnacle and greatest success in their careers. But Matjaž Kek has already experienced his “Olympic Games” appearance. Therefore, now, with the European Championship just around the corner, he no longer thinks only about the importance of participating. Now he also wants to prove himself. Now he wants to win. Now he wants to advance.

Matjaž Kek, during the national team gathering at Brdo pri Kranju, was straightforward in emphasizing that Slovenia will certainly not go to Germany for Euro 2024 just to participate.

“We are facing an unforgettable tournament; fans will travel to Germany in large numbers. However, I cannot reconcile myself with the fact that fans will flock to Euro 2024 because of us. And I am convinced that the guys will not be satisfied with that either. My wish is clear. I will be truly happy only if our fans also enjoy themselves in Germany. That is the challenge we have set for ourselves, which we have undertaken. And a challenge that – clearly – now needs confirmation,” Matjaž Kek made it clear, who in 2010 led Slovenia to its first victory in major competitions, after his team defeated Algeria 1-0 at the World Cup in South Africa.

They Won’t Be Strolling Before Euro 2024

During the gathering in Gorenjska, Matjaž Kek also emphasized that he is very pleased because his team will finally have some more time for training. Slovenia will also play friendly matches against Armenia (Tuesday) and Bulgaria (Saturday). “Yes, we will have some additional training available as usual, and also two preparatory matches. It is clear that I will demand a high level of work from day one. At Euro 2024, we will face Denmark, Serbia, and England, opponents against whom we must not allow ourselves to perform as we did against Malta by any chance,” emphasized Matjaž Kek.

Matjaž Kek further highlighted the good work of the players who have already finished their club obligations, while also revealing the type of team he expects on the German football pitches. “I am interested in Slovenia, which will be at the highest level in terms of running and physical fitness,” says the 62-year-old expert, who continued: “If that happens, we will have opportunities. If not, we will be in trouble. I believe that the players are aware of this. They all have a demanding season and also stress that comes with the fight for results. On the other hand, I have no doubt that they will be extremely motivated because of what awaits them. Besides, they are experienced enough to capitalize on all of the above in preparation for Euro 2024. In any case, we won’t be strolling at Brdo pri Kranju. They already understand that anyway.”