Germany plans ‘solidarity’ friendly after Paris attacks

Chancellor Angela Merkel will attend Germany’s football friendly against the Netherlands on Tuesday (NZT Wednesday), which will go ahead as planned, despite the team still being shaken by the deadly attacks in Paris.

Germany is due to play the Netherlands in Hanover on Tuesday but has delayed its journey.

Latest figures from French officials report 128 people were killed and another 99 remain critical after what appeared to be co-ordinated terror acts in the French capital, including three fatalities outside the Stade de France.

Earlier in the day, the German team had to evacuate their hotel because of a bomb threat, but police found no explosive devices.

A statement quoted DFB vice-president Reinhard Rauball as saying: “The message is clear – we will not be intimidated by terror”.

National team manger Oliver Bierhoff confirmed that the squad would resume training on Monday and said that the match could be “a sign of communion with the French people and to the families of the victims”. Yet all know that it is important to set an example and to work as a team for our values and culture.

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, Galatasaray forward Lukas Podolski and Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger have all been rested for the fixture in Hannover.

Schalke teenager Leroy Sane has also been released so he can play in an Under-21 worldwide.

“This is a very sensitive subject for the team”, said Loew, who described the events of Friday as a “nightmare”.

“There was a muffled bang that changed everything”.

On Friday, Germany lost 0-2 to France in a friendly.