The more colorful, the better
Nagelsmann hopes for a psychological effect from the pink jersey
March 14, 2024, 4:33 p.m
There is heated debate about the national team’s new away jersey. The country’s best footballers should not only play in white at the home European Championships, but possibly also in a pink and purple combination. Coach Nagelsmann draws sports psychology connections in view of the new jersey.
The away jersey is daring, the home jersey is traditional – the German national soccer team is breaking new ground in terms of fashion for the home European Championships this summer. The unusual away jersey runs from pink in the shoulder and chest area down in diamonds to purple and, according to the supplier adidas, is intended to represent “the new generation of German football fans and the diversity of the country”. Shorts and socks are purple.
“I think it’s good that it’s not always the same,” said national coach Julian Nagelsmann. “It has been proven that it also has a psychological effect on the opponent. Studies have shown that goalkeepers have bright jersey colors and the goal becomes smaller and smaller.” Perhaps the colorful DFB jersey will also make the gaps for opponents’ passes smaller, hoped Nagelsmann, who spoke of a courageous decision by the DFB and Adidas when choosing the color. And courage is an anagram of luck. “The fact that there is already a heated discussion about the away jersey shows that it was the right decision.”
The home jersey, on the other hand, is classic: with angular 3D font in the style of the nineties, black, red and gold on the shoulders and an embossing that is intended to be reminiscent of the DFB logo. A black stripe on the side is a reminder of the 2006 home World Cup, shorts and socks are white.
According to adidas, the launch will be accompanied by an advertising campaign that “plays humorously with German clichés and stereotypes.” The sporting goods manufacturer wants to address the expected criticism of the “unexpectedly fresh” away jerseys. In addition to DFB protagonists, influencers, the model Lena Gercke and the rapper RIN will be seen.
The jerseys, which the women’s team will now also be wearing, will debut at the international matches in Lyon against France (March 23) and in Frankfurt against the Netherlands (March 26). Because the French also want to present their new jersey, Germany will play in Lyon in the home jersey and, curiously, the away jersey will be used in the following home game.
“The home jersey is classic with the black, red and gold shoulders and the otherwise white look – for me a typically German jersey,” said national player Florian Wirtz, who particularly praised the designers’ courage: “I think the away jersey is very cool! something different and truly extraordinary.”
The jerseys are on sale now and cost 100 euros, in children’s sizes 75 euros. The “authentic version” worn by the players is available for 150 euros.