Ginter: "Anything but ordinary"

Matthias Ginter doesn’t want to miss a beat at Germany’s training camp in South Tyrol. Having been named in coach Joachim Löw’s preliminary World Cup squad, the 20-year-old SC Freiburg defender is determined to learn as much as he possibly can and use the experience to improve as a footballer.

Speaking with DFB.de editor Steffen Lüdeke, Ginter talks about Sergio Ramos, Mats Hummels, and his first ever training camp with the German national team.

DFB.de: A few days have passed since the Champions League final in Lisbon, but as someone who loves watching football, did the game make for compulsive viewing? Do you think the best team won?

Matthias Ginter: The Champions League final is one of the highlights of every season, so I always watch it. I do love watching football, I can never get enough of the game! I was impressed with Real’s spirit – they never gave up, kept pushing forward and their body language always remained positive. They managed to get the goal eventually, even if it’s a bit lucky to score so deep into stoppage time. It was a very exciting game. It was interesting to see how Atletico defended against Real.

DFB.de: The equaliser came from Sergio Ramos – someone who plays in a similar position to yourself. Is he a player you look up to?

Ginter: Of course. I’m still young and can learn a lot from players of international calibre. There are plenty in this Germany side.

DFB.de: You once named Mats Hummels as your role model.

Ginter: Yes, I did.

DFB.de: What makes him stand out from the rest?

Ginter: His long passing is excellent every game, his build-up play is very, very good and he’s incredibly confident in possession. This training camp is the perfect opportunity to pick up a few tips, and not only from him. The whole experience is very valuable to me.

DFB.de: In what specific areas have you improved so far?

Ginter: That’s always difficult to say, but it’s mostly little things. I haven’t really had an opportunity to try them out in a competitive match, but I’m feeling good, both physically and mentally. The atmosphere is great here and training is a lot of fun. It’s exactly how I hoped it would be.

DFB.de: Two of your Freiburg colleagues, Sebastian Kerk and Christian Günter, are part of the Under 20 squad that have recently joined the camp.

Ginter: I’m happy they’re both here. We managed to talk a little during our games against the Under 20 side and we kept in touch by text messaging before then. It’s strange to be playing against club colleagues you know very well and are used to working with on a daily basis.

DFB.de: You got your first taste of international football in March when you made your Germany debut against Chile in Stuttgart. Back then, you admitted to being a little nervous during first-team training. Have you managed to settle your nerves since then?

Ginter: It’s always special to be part of this group. It’s anything but ordinary, but you gradually get used to it. You become accustomed to the daily routine and the expectations of the head coach. Every training session is special, but I’m not as nervous as I was the first time.

DFB.de: What have you set out to achieve during your time in the camp?

Ginter: To give my all and to learn a lot. I try to remain focused every day in training and try to do my job to the best of my ability. If I do that, I’lll achieve what I set out to do, which was to make the next step as a footballer. If you’re involved at this level and share a pitch with so many good players, it’s almost impossible not to develop as a player.

DFB.de: Only 23 players are set to board the plane to Brazil. How worried are you about missing out on the tournament?

Ginter: Worried isn’t the right word. I’m incredibly happy to be here in the first place – that’s my overriding emotion. I’m giving my all every day. Let’s see if it’s enough for me to go to Brazil.