Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck is set to be a key member of Germany's backline at this summer's FIFA World Cup 2026, and his high hopes heading into the team's opening match.
The central defender, who is getting ready to appear at his second World Cup, sees some key differences in the way the current squad are bonding compared to at previous tournaments: "What I currently see from us, how we train together, support each other, how much we do together off the pitch – I would say that is the best team energy since I became a national player."
Schlotterbeck also expressed plenty of optimism about Germany's prospects, citing the widely praised atmosphere within Julian Nagelsmann's squad. "Hopefully, this [energy] will translate onto the pitch, because it will motivate everyone to go the extra mile to support their teammates," the 26-year-old explained. "I sense that each of us is trying to give our best because we don't want to disappoint the team."
