"We don't see ourselves as favourites here. We have a really good side and we are expecting a tough competition here. I think all teams are equally good. If you look at Australia, Netherlands and others all are very balanced sides," said Korn at the trophy-unveiling function here.
"We have been playing indoor hockey back home. It's been two months we haven't played outdoors. It will take time for us to settle. That is one of the reasons why I feel we are not the favourites," the 29-year-old attacking midfielder said.
Germany are without their key players like Max Muller, Christopher Zeller and Moritz Furste, but have good bench strength to go on to win the tournament.
"It is an important tournament for us. Though the World Cup is still far off (May 31) this tournament will set the track for the quadrennial event in The Netherlands," he said.
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"I think all the teams would be a bit jittery initially as all were enjoying an international break. The real test would be from the quarterfinal onwards. Out first target would be to seal the knockout berth and then push from there," Knowles said.
The Ric Charlesworth-coached side is also missing players due to injuries and has left out a few due to its rotation policy.
"The tournament is crucial in the lead up to the World Cup. This year we have the Commonwealth Games as well. It's an important year which we would like to begin on a positive note," he added.