As Euro'2024 draws near, tournament director and former German international Philipp Lahm emphasizes the unparalleled focus on security amid challenging global dynamics.
The director of Euro'2024, the former German international Philipp Lahm, acknowledged this Tuesday that the 'tournament takes place in difficult times' and that security will be the 'highest priority', so that the competition can be a celebration.
'Since the beginning, security has been our highest priority. We want to organize safe events,' said the former defender and director of Euro'2024, Philipp Lahm, aged 40, in an interview with the French news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP)."
The director of Euro'2024, the former German international Philipp Lahm, acknowledged this Tuesday that the 'tournament takes place in difficult times' and that security will be the 'highest priority', so that the competition can be a celebration.
'Since the beginning, security has been our highest priority. We want to organize safe events,' said the former defender and director of Euro'2024, Philipp Lahm, aged 40, in an interview with the French news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP)."
Philipp Lahm acknowledges that the event, set to take place from June 14 to July 14 in Germany, occurs in 'difficult times', but assures that the organization is taking all measures to ensure the safety of the event and its participants.
'We are in contact with the German federal government, but also with those of neighboring countries, to ensure that everything proceeds safely. And we are also in tune with the Police, not only in Germany but in other countries,' he stated."
Lahm believes that, despite everything, it's important for Euro'2024 to send a strong signal that Europe is united, that its democracies are strong, and that this tournament is a celebration for everyone, but where security is the highest priority.
'We are well-prepared, we have ten great stadiums, and in addition, ten great host cities that are extremely motivated. People are motivated, we see this through the sale of tickets, even outside of Germany,' the official added.
Euro'2024 will also have fan zones for spectators to watch the matches, and Philipp Lahm states that everyone is welcome to Germany and hopes they will celebrate this moment together, especially in current times when there are many challenges around the world.
Transportation to the games is one of the organization's concerns, but Lahm believes that, with a bit of patience, everything will function, although he admits that not everything will be perfect, but conditions are being created to ensure that this will not be a problem.
There will be good offers to use the German railways at low prices, in the host cities with public transport available from 06:00 on the day of the game until 10:00 the following day, and there will be cheaper fares to come to Germany," he explained.
Philipp Lahm, who participated in the 2006 World Cup, also in Germany, emphasized the crucial importance of fans in supporting the German national team, to ensure a strong connection that allows the Mannschaft to go as far as possible in the competition.
In 2006, at the World Cup, we felt the support of the entire nation, and that gave a lot of energy to the team during those four weeks of the tournament [Germany won 3-1 against Portugal for the 3rd place]. And that's what we are hoping for in Euro'2024," he said.
Portugal is part of Group F in the final phase of Euro'2024, along with Turkey, the Czech Republic, and the winner of the play-off between Greece and Georgia, which will be decided today.
