It was a perfect evening for the World Champions: A home victory, three goals, three points and top spot in the table. After the 3-1 victory over Poland in Frankfurt, BVB defender Mats Hummels spoke to DFB.de about the game, Mario Götze and his partners in crime at the back.
Question: Mr. Hummels, you must be happy with how last night played out…
Mats Hummels: We needed to win the game and we deservedly did that. We had a few issues before the break when Poland had a number of chances. Our next aim is to bring more stability to our game.
Question: How can you do that? And where do you think you need to improve ahead of the Scotland match?
Hummels: A lot of the problems came from when we lost the ball too easily at the back. I won’t name any names, as it applies to all of us, including myself. It put us in a lot of danger. Poland are good on the counter and we didn’t always keep our shape, which meant that they had a few chances.
Question: Mario Götze scored twice and hit the post. What did you make of his performance?
Hummels: He was great. Mario has received a lot of unnecessary criticism recently. He’s a fabulous footballer. Everyone in Dortmund knows that I’m fairly sure that anyone who knows football shares that opinion. I’m delighted that he put in a good performance and grabbed an important brace.
Question: There was a new member of the backline against Poland. What did you make of Emre Can’s debut?
Hummels: I play directly alongside Jerome Boateng and Jonas Hector, but obviously I’m aware of his talent. He’s a great player, a quick and powerful one. His performances at club level meant that he fully deserved his international debut.
Question: Debutants have to sing a song. Are you looking forward to his effort?
Hummels: I’m not actually sure whether he’ll have to sing or not, things keep changing. Sometimes they sing, sometime they gave a speech and on some occasions there are different tasks. There are no set rules.
Question: Jonas Hector has impressed alongside you. Is the relationship going well, or would you rather play next to club teammate Marcel Schmelzer?
Hummels: It cannot be denied that I have a good understanding with “Schmelle” but obviously I don’t make the decisions. Jonas is a fantastic left back. He’s technically sound, gives good instructions and helps you out when needs must. He brings a lot to the team.
Source: DFB.de.