National soccer player Sjoeke Nüsken keeps her fingers crossed in front of the TV at the European Championships

Martina Vos-Tecklenburg’s decision initially ripped the rug from under Sjoeke Nüsken’s feet: when the coach of the German women’s soccer team surprisingly announced to 21-year-old Hammerin in mid-June that she would not play in the European Championships in England (6-31) July) was not part of the team, and the disappointment of the midfielder, who plays for Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga, was great.

IMPORTANT – You have played nine international matches since their premiere on April 21, 2021 against Belgium for the German Football Association, not missing a single minute at the club last season. But she will now follow her big target, the European Championship, on TV. In an interview with Günter Thomas, she revealed that she still keeps her toes in Team Germany and is confident that she will still be able to compete in a few other tournaments in the DFB dress.

The national team players on Sunday boarded a plane to England for the European Championships from July 6 to 31. What did you do?

I was at home with my family in Hamm.

The German national team championship begins on Friday with the match between London-Brentfort against Denmark. Where will you watch the match?

Since my return to Frankfurt on Monday evening, I will be watching the game there with my teammate Janina Hechler.

You were very close to your goal, but then it didn’t work out with the European Championship – there was a personal conversation with national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg – and how did you justify not being nominated?

Yes, of course. There were one-on-one conversations shortly before he left for training camp. Martina spoke to every player. And she told me I wasn’t there. She justified it by saying that my position is very strong and the competition is very tough.

What was the first reaction and how much was the disappointment?

Of course I was disappointed and it took a few days to absorb it. But now it’s time to move on. We have the first round of the Champions League with the club in August. This is what I focus on. This is also exciting. I’m still young and I’m going to play some other tournaments.

“It would be cool if they could tear something up.”

In your opinion, what can your teammates do in the national team in the tournament in England?

I think they can play up front. Overall, the preparation was good – the team also played well against Switzerland (editor’s note: 7-0 in the last friendly). everything is possible. Anyway, I’ll keep my fingers crossed for the team. It would be great if you could rip something off.

What do you think are the strengths of the team?

This combination is really good between highly experienced and young players who are allowed to gain their first experience. The team spirit is very good.

Denmark, Spain, Finland – the combination is not easy, is it?

It’s definitely a tough group. But it doesn’t matter: if you want to win the championship, you have to beat everyone anyway. You can make a tag in the group. If others see Germany playing well, then this is something for you and it creates respect.

What are the favorite teams in the tournament?

I think six or seven teams have a chance of winning the European Championship. Overall it will be very interesting to see who wins the race, and hopefully Germany.

“I am ready”

Five of her fellow Frankfurt players will be present at the tournament – available on request. How do you deal with the situation?
I’m on guard, if something happens, I’ll be there to step in.

Training begins in Frankfurt on July 11 with performance diagnoses – players have been given individual training plans. Which applies to you? Is it the national team or its coach, Nico Arnautis?

My training is a combination of the two. At first it was more DFB plan, but now I have joined Eintracht. I run a little bit with the ball – but the two plans aren’t much different anyway.

The team has been accompanied by a documentary film team (Martina Hansel and Bjorn Tanniberger) since April 2021, who are filming a multi-part series on the German Football Association team. The first episode can be viewed in the ARD media library from Wednesday. Is there a “Born For This – More Than Football” premiere in Frankfurt-Sachsenhausen?

No, there was only the technical staff in addition to the press representatives. We players don’t do that. But we were able to see the first movie before that.

How did you look at the film team during filming?

Of course I noticed they were shooting. They also gave interviews. We don’t know what’s going to happen, but it’s a really cool thing. I look forward to the next episodes.

Taboo topics are also covered, such as sexual harassment – have you ever encountered these topics?

No, this is not me.

Unlike not being nominated for the national team squad for the European Championship, there were many positive moments for you last season, starting with qualifying for the Champions League in third place. Do you enter next season with more self-confidence?

yes. I’m glad I played every minute and I’m going into next season with good strength and confidence.

With coach Nico Arnautis, you now want to qualify for the Champions League group stage – a rocky road but achievable with two qualifying rounds.

I’m really looking forward to it. This is wonderful. For many at the club, this is a new mission that no one has experienced before. The biggest goal is to participate in the Champions League group stage. But first we have to pass qualification.

Back to the national team. In 2023, the World Cup will be held in Australia and New Zealand. Have you been there before?

No, I haven’t gone there yet. But it would be great if that worked. This is definitely a goal.