Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann has dismissed suggestions his side would prefer not to beat Switzerland on Sunday in order to avoid potentially facing Spain in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.
The hosts have already qualified after winning their opening two games, but topping Group A puts them on track to play Spain, who have won both of their games so far and look likely to win Group C.
“At the end of the day it’s difficult to talk to your team and tell them to lose,” he said.
“That doesn’t make sense for competitive people. Normally you play a football game to win and tomorrow’s a game to win.”
Nagelsmann said Switzerland – who are currently second in the group with four points, two fewer than Germany – are “probably the best opponent” they will face in the group stage.
“It’ll be an interesting match – and we want to win,” he said.
Germany have won 5-1 against Scotland and 2-0 against Hungary so far, while Switzerland saw off Hungary with a 3-1 victory before drawing 1-1 with Scotland.
Scotland and Hungary meet in Stuttgart in the group’s other game.