Philipp Lahm hopes that the European Championship will allow “greater cohesion” in Europe

Philipp Lahm, head of the organizing committee for Euro 2024, which starts next Friday (14), stated in an interview with the SID agency (AFP branch) that the tournament will be a success if it brings “greater cohesion in German society, but also in Europe”.

Question: With what objectives and ambitions did you accept the task of organizing the European Championship?

Response: “I wanted to organize a tournament in keeping with our times. Therefore, I wanted to give great importance to durability from a social point of view, that is, bringing people together, celebrating common values. When it comes to social relations, the pandemic has us has affected and an event of this type can help us. On the other hand, we also want to advance the issue of the environment.”

P: How to make a tournament a big party?

R: “There are many projects to bring people together. Of course, we also want to create an inclusive tournament, in which everyone can participate, and which is accessible to everyone, for example people with disabilities. We have adapted the game calendar so that teams and their fans don’t have to make long trips between one game and another”.

Ready for EURO 2024! 🤩#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/Fb7WEdgJff

— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) March 26, 2024

P: A competition like this is always a platform for political and social issues. Will this be the case for Euro 2024?

R: “Absolutely. I think, for example, that Euro 2021 (postponed by a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic and organized in 11 different countries) proved that it is possible. What the city of Munich and its population did with the colors of the rainbow (in favor of the LGBTQIA+ collective) was very beautiful to see, especially for a Municher like me. Euro 2024 can be used at any time to defend our democratic and European values.”

P: At what point will the tournament be considered a success?

R: “When we notice greater cohesion in German society, but also in Europe. Right after the Euro Cup, the Olympic Games will start in Paris. So let’s ask ourselves if these two events have contributed to greater cohesion in Europe. I would like at least the Euro Cup allows us to recover a more united Germany”.

P: What is your opinion on coach Julian Nagelsmann’s work at the helm of the German national team?

R: “It seems that now he has made the right decisions. He has found a system, the way he wants to play. The players must find themselves a little better on the field and play more together. With the energy of the fans, the team has a great chance of winning.”