Brick by brick: how Germany built a team built for #EuroVolleyM

When a team steps onto the main stage at #EuroVolleyM, what the fans see is the finished product - a polished machine firing on all cylinders. But behind every precise block and calculated jump serve lies months of quiet, deliberate calibration.

For the German Men's National Team, the 2026 CEV Enel EuroVolley Men road to Cluj-Napoca has been a story of evolution. It didn't start with a single breakthrough; it began back in January when head coach Massimo Botti took the helm with a clear vision: layer physical load with tactical flexibility, test every corner of the roster, and arrive in September playing their most complete volleyball.

Phase 1: Testing depth in the summer crucible

The early foundation was laid during a grueling Volleyball Nations League (VNL) campaign. Rather than relying solely on established line-ups, Botti turned the tournament into a proving ground for the squad's rising generation.

While veteran cornerstone György Grozer was strategically rested to manage physical workloads ahead of the European Championship - as he prepares for a historic, record-tying 10th EuroVolley - young talent seized the spotlight. Outside hitter Erik Röhrs stepped into a leading offensive role, pacing Germany across the summer with 159 total points. Beside him, Tobias Brand (138 points) and opposite Yann Böhme (125 points) proved that Germany’s depth could hold its ground against the world's elite - highlighted by hard-fought 3-1 victory over France in Ottawa.

Phase 2: Fine-tuning under fire in Italy

By late August, the physical phase gave way to match-tempo refinement. Taking part in the FIPAV Cup in Reggio Calabria and Messina, Germany tested its systems against heavyweights like Cuba, Brazil, and host nation Italy.

These were far more than simple exhibition matches - they were high-yield tactical labs where history was written on the court. Nowhere was this progress clearer than during their breathtaking clash against Italy, where the two sides played the longest set in international Volleyball history - a staggering 66–64 marathon. Every grueling rally served a single, vital purpose: forging an ironclad mentality and teaching the group how to stay composed when the pressure spikes to unprecedented heights. 

Phase 3: Mindset, tempo, and the return of joy

As the physical pieces clicked into place, the tactical and emotional blueprint took center stage through the eyes of Germany's two key playmakers.

For veteran setter Jan Zimmermann, who brings the wisdom of over 200 caps, guiding this squad into EuroVolley is about adapting to how the international game has transformed over the past decade.

"We are a team that has depth, and we try to always make the best out of it. We lost some crucial players, and that put us in a position where we had to adapt our leaders. It is a path - it is always a long path - but we are on our way, and it is also exciting for the future to build something new with new main characters," Zimmermann concludes.

Complementing Zimmermann's tactical view is Johannes Tille, who returns to the squad with a refreshed perspective after observing from the outside - bringing back the lighthearted, fearless spirit that previously fueled Germany's biggest successes.

Final stop in Potsdam before BTarena calls

Before flying to Romania for their Pool D opener against Turkey on September 10, Germany will complete its final dress rehearsal at home in Potsdam against the Netherlands.

• Pre-EuroVolley Friendlies: Germany vs. Netherlands (Potsdam, Sept 4 @ 18:30 and on Sept 5 @ 18:30)

Germany isn't arriving in Cluj-Napoca by chance. They are arriving on the back of a step-by-step journey - 

built brick by brick over months of hard work, adaptability, and a renewed sense of belief.