Axel Witsel is out of the Red Devils’ match against Romania on the 2nd day of Group E of Euro 2024 on Saturday in Cologne (9:00 p.m.). Coach Domenico Tedesco confirmed his absence at a press conference on Friday.
Witsel felt discomfort in his groin at the end of training on Friday and did not make the trip to Cologne. “It was decided with the medical staff that Axel would stay at base camp to work with the physiotherapists. He will have an MRI on Saturday morning because it is the same problem he has been experiencing in recent days. His tournament is not over but we don’t want to take any risks. We hope it’s nothing serious” said Tedesco.
Forgotten from the German coach’s selections since his induction in March 2023, Witsel was called by Tedesco for the Euro, in particular to overcome the problems in central defense. “It’s obviously a tile. We expected a lot from Axel and that’s why we selected him“added Tedesco.
What Tedesco thinks of the Romanian team
Domenico Tedesco n’a “not afraid but respect” Romania, opponent of the Red Devils in their second match of Group E of Euro 2024 on Saturday in Cologne (9:00 p.m.).
After the inaugural defeat against Slovakia (0-1), it is now Romania which stands on the road to Belgium. The Romanians made a strong impression by winning 3-0 against Ukraine. “Those who did not know Romania, now know it” Tedesco said Friday at a press conference. “We were already aware of the qualities of this team. Romania did not lose a single match in qualifying, notably beating Switzerland.”
The coach described Romania as “a team that knows how to suffer” et “who doesn’t take many risks“. “They are able to play with a low block, play long and are solid on second balls. Romania only conceded five goals in qualifying, which shows their defensive qualities. Scoring one or two goals is often enough for them because they don’t concede many.“
The pressure is already heavy on the shoulders of Domenico Tedesco and his players after the defeat against Slovakia. Another misstep against the Romanians would greatly jeopardize the chances of qualifying for the round of 16. “My approach hasn’t changed from the first game. You have to analyze the matches without looking at the result and I am convinced that we played well against the Slovaks. We have two chances after five minutes and if you score first it makes things easier.”
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