Greek PM Mitsotakis visits national football squad ahead of Nations League match against Germany

Bilateral schedule and team hotel visit

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the Greece men's national football team at their accommodation in Thessaloniki on the morning of Saturday, 3 October 2026. Mitsotakis travelled to northern Greece to participate in an official bilateral ceremony with Bulgarian representatives, focused on signing protocols for the mutual handover and receipt of heritage relics and anthropological material between Greece and Bulgaria. After concluding the formal protocol exchange, the prime minister travelled directly to the hotel housing the national squad. The visit allowed Mitsotakis to meet individually with the players, team manager Ivan Jovanović, and Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) president Makis Gagatsis. During the meeting, Mitsotakis spoke to the gathered players about their recent performances in international competition and praised their collective self-belief.

You surprised many, but not yourselves.

Nations League campaign and upcoming Germany match

The prime minister's visit occurred during preparations for Greece's upcoming UEFA Nations League Matchday 4 fixture against Germany, scheduled for Sunday, 4 October 2026, at 21:45 local time at Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki. The national team entered the weekend after collecting seven points across their first three fixtures in the group stage. That record includes an earlier fixture held at Toumba Stadium against the Netherlands, alongside matches against Serbia and Germany. The Sunday evening encounter against the German team, managed by Jürgen Klopp, marks the conclusion of Greece's fixtures in the initial autumn international window of the tournament. National team staff and federation officials noted that the squad has demonstrated competitive form across the group matches.

Discussion on long-term training facilities

In addition to reviewing recent results, the conversation at the hotel addressed long-term state support for Greek football infrastructure. Prime Minister Mitsotakis confirmed that the government has held ongoing discussions with both EPO leadership and the national coaching staff to assist the team in securing improved permanent infrastructure over time. He encouraged the squad to continue making the country proud through their performances. Hellenic Football Federation president Makis Gagatsis greeted the prime minister on behalf of the organization and commended the team's competitive mentality.

Thank you for being with us, our players have proven they can beat any opponent.

Coaching perspective and official presentation

National team head coach Ivan Jovanović addressed the prime minister regarding state cooperation during his two years leading the national team. Jovanović noted that discussions concerning a dedicated training center have remained a recurring topic between team management, the federation president, and state officials. The Serbian coach emphasized that direct government support for dedicated training facilities remains significant for the squad's development and long-term goals. He pointed out the distinct bond that the current squad has built with the national team badge during recent competitions.

Our players' passion for the national team is unique.

Following the formal remarks, the prime minister greeted each player individually before concluding his visit. To mark the occasion, federation officials presented Mitsotakis with an official Greece national team jersey featuring his surname across the back and the number 10.