... the team’s system of play: We will play with several different (tactical) systems until the European Championships. The most important element though is good organisation on the pitch.
... Shkodran Mustafi’s injury: I assume that he will be fit to play tomorrow. He had a shoulder problem but is much better now.
... dropped points in previous qualifiers: Right now, we’re not quite at the same high level we played at during the World Cup last summer. Three players retired and lots were injured after the tournament so we’ve had to play differently. Of course, our goal is to win the group. We want to form a team who will be one of the best at EURO 2016.
Toni Kroos on...
... the situation in the qualifying group: The three points are important for us given our current situation. We have to win the game. We currently have less points than we’d expected to have by this stage. We can’t be pleased with having only taken one point out of the last six available. We therefore have to start to turn things around in order to qualify for the European Championship.
... the opponents: It’s important for us to play our own game. It’s safe to assume that Georgia will play very defensively. We can’t say how well they’ll play tomorrow. The focus absolutely has to be on ourselves. If we play the way we’re capable of doing, we can make it easier for ourselves tomorrow.
... his fitness level: It’s been a long season with lots of games and I didn’t have a winter break, but I’m feeling really good. I want to be playing lots; however, it doesn’t hurt to take a break, like against Australia, especially when we’re entering the crucial final stage of the season.
The World Champions arrived in Tbilisi on Friday and will face Georgia in the fifth European Championship qualifier on Sunday (18:00 CEST). Manager Joachim Löw and his team are under pressure because they’ve only taken seven points from the first four games and are currently third in Group D. The team’s aim for the match at the Boris-Paitschadse-Stadion is clear: take all three points.
At a press conference the day before the match, Löw revealed that Bastian Schweinsteiger will start the game. "Our line-up will generally be an attacking one. We need players who can occupy the opposition defenders; however, it’s important to strike the right balance with the team selection,” said the manager.
Löw also spoke about the opposition, injured players and questions over the team’s system of play, before Toni Kroos took over in the hot seat and fielded questions from the media. DFB.de were present.
Joachim Löw on...
... the match against Georgia: Our starting position is clear; we didn’t pick up points when we should have done in autumn. We need to put in a top performance to come away with the three points. It’s a important game because we are falling a bit behind in the group. I’m certain though that the team is in a position to win the game. We have every respect for our opponents, but we will take the three points home with us tomorrow.
... the opponents‘ tactics: We know that Georgia defend well and don’t concede many goals. We have to find the right answers going forward, create more chances and be clinical in front of goal. Right from the off we will play to win.
... the possibility of a big win: It’s not helpful to speculate about a big in. It’s just important that we take the three points. It’s perhpas the game of the decade for Georgia. We’ll be entering the lion’s den as the fans will support their team.
... the line-up: Bastian Schweinsteiger will start. I deliberately didn’t include him against Australia. The line-up will generally be attacking. We need players who can occupy the opposition defenders; however, it’s important to strike the right balance with the team selection.
... the team’s system of play: We will play with several different (tactical) systems until the European Championships. The most important element though is good organisation on the pitch.
... Shkodran Mustafi’s injury: I assume that he will be fit to play tomorrow. He had a shoulder problem but is much better now.
... dropped points in previous qualifiers: Right now, we’re not quite at the same high level we played at during the World Cup last summer. Three players retired and lots were injured after the tournament so we’ve had to play differently. Of course, our goal is to win the group. We want to form a team who will be one of the best at EURO 2016.
Toni Kroos on...
... the situation in the qualifying group: The three points are important for us given our current situation. We have to win the game. We currently have less points than we’d expected to have by this stage. We can’t be pleased with having only taken one point out of the last six available. We therefore have to start to turn things around in order to qualify for the European Championship.
... the opponents: It’s important for us to play our own game. It’s safe to assume that Georgia will play very defensively. We can’t say how well they’ll play tomorrow. The focus absolutely has to be on ourselves. If we play the way we’re capable of doing, we can make it easier for ourselves tomorrow.
... his fitness level: It’s been a long season with lots of games and I didn’t have a winter break, but I’m feeling really good. I want to be playing lots; however, it doesn’t hurt to take a break, like against Australia, especially when we’re entering the crucial final stage of the season.
