by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Ahead of UEFA Euro 2024, the mood in German football has changed from rock bottom to a state of cautious euphoria.
Three German clubs - Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund - have made their way into the semifinals of either the UEFA Champions League or Europa League for the first time in 29 years.
While fans dream of an all-German Champions League final like that of 2013 between Bayern and Dortmund, Germany's national team seems fringed by optimism heading for Euro 2024 on home soil.
Despite having to face giants such as Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid in the Champions League, and Leverkusen playing against Roma in the Europa League, many see a solid base for German football to return to the top.
The recent announcement of a contract extension for coach Julian Nagelsmann and sporting director Rudi Voller until the 2026 FIFA World Cup has triggered confidence in German football.
Having solved its leadership difficulties, the struggling national team suddenly seems back in safe hands, and is turning into one of the favorites for Euro 2024.
Following victories over the Netherlands and France, Germany's record international Lothar Matthaus called Germany one of the top sides competing in the tournament from June 14 to July 14.
Elsewhere, elements of the country's media praised the German association for changing things for the better within two weeks.
Nagelsmann's commitment to the national team ensures stability along with Voller's pragmatic approach supporting the trend.
Nagelsmann has triggered confidence around the national team coming along with lifting spirits among fans, after the team's early exits at 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
The team's game approach has become more attacking, with youngsters such as Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz delivering enchanting performances.
Nagelsmann opened doors for a generation change, taking younger players to an advanced level along with the opportunity of taking responsibility.
Simultaneously, fans are back with the team having re-discovered their pride and joy. For long, the national team failed to fill their arenas; now it is difficult to find a ticket.
The success of German clubs is likely to see the Bundesliga harvest a fifth spot for the upcoming season's Champions League due to its advantage in international coefficient rankings. ■
