German team attacked by insects

Despite being the host of the EURO 2024 finals and familiar with the weather and climate conditions of their home country, the German team members cannot avoid difficulties with insects.

The team's Bavarian base is under attack from a number of insects, including mosquitoes and bees. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been forced to use mosquito nets and mosquito nets to avoid being bitten.

“We need to make sure the mosquito net is always pulled up when we watch matches on TV by the pool,” said the 38-year-old Bayern Munich star.

Coach Julian Nagelsmann said: "There is an unusual amount of mosquitoes here. We need to pay attention to the wind so that too many mosquitoes do not come in. If that doesn't work, we have to go into the office."

“I have been bitten a few times,” added striker Maximilian Beier, 21. “But if mosquitoes are the biggest problem we have, then it's okay.”

The combination of flooding in southern Germany and unseasonable heat has fueled an increase in insects.

Germany's headquarters is the £850m Adidas Campus complex in Herzogenaurach. Photo: Alamy

“They are very aggressive, come in large numbers and sting both day and night,” said expert Martin Geier.

This is not the first time the German team has been targeted by insects at EURO 2024. A swarm of bees invaded the Stuttgart Arena on the eve of their clash with Hungary last week.

Firefighters wearing specialist protective gear had to remove the creatures after they built a nest on a billboard in the yard.