... the tactical alignment for the full-backs: We wanted to play a high line with our full-backs against Poland, in order to stretch the game apart. We conceded the goal after a mistake which allowed Poland too much space. Pace isn’t the only issue. You also have to be quick mentally and anticipate a certain situation before it happens.
... personal stadium highlight: Rio was definitely my highlight and the stadium is meant to host finals. Next year I would like to contest the final at the Stade de France in Paris.
Manuel Neuer on...
... the game against Scotland: I've never been here and look forward to getting to know the country, the stadium and the Scottish fans. I'm sure they will give it their best and we have to be prepared for that.
... opponents Scotland: We know that anything can happen and we have to give 100 percent in order to prevail. I expect Scotland to play similarly as they did in Dortmund last year (2-1 victory for Germany), lying deep and waiting for chances to counter attack.
... Mario Götze in the national team: He scored the match-winning goal in the final for us. Mario certainly went through a tough time, but he's always delivered good performances, whether at club level or in the national team. He is highly professional, also a threat in the final third, he can read games well, create space and continues to develop as a player.
... Jerome Boateng: As a keeper, I can fully rely on him. Jerome is tall, strong in the air, quick and possesses the required skills on the ball. Together with Mats Hummels he forms a great centre-back duo.
... Germany's number 2: We have a lot of good keepers in Germany and it's something to be proud off. There will be no problems in the future for the DFB-Team in that regard, also because of the first-class training that we have both at club level and here at the national team under Andreas Köpke.
Germany's European Championship qualifier in Scotland takes place tomorrow (20:45 CEST). Ahead of the game, coach Joachim Löw and keeper Manuel Neuer responded to questions by the media.
Joachim Löw on...
... his anticipation for the game: It will be my first game in Hampden Park. Everyone is looking forward to the unique atmosphere that Scottish fans are known for. Despite their defeat in Georgia last week, Scotland's fans will support their team fully and they will try everything they can to get a result.
... opponents Scotland: They will do anything in order to win, especially at home. They know that it's almost their last chance in the group in order to qualify for the EUROs and we have to keep our guard up at all times. All our players are available and I have no reasons to change the starting line-up from the Poland match. I might still consider making some changes though.
... Jerome Boateng: The performance against Poland was good and tactically they were also sound. Jerome and Mats both meet the requirements for world class centre-backs. Their forward movement is good, they can build attacks, they make good challenges for the ball and deny the opposition chance to launch counter attacks. Both players are immensely important for our attacking game and for our defence.
... Ilkay Gündogan: Ilkay is almost back at the level he had two years ago. His actions are dynamic, his pace on the ball is great and I'm happy to have another option in central midfield after the injury of Sami Khedira. With the form he has at the moment, he will be irreplaceable for us at the European Championships 2016 and World Cup 2018.
... Mario Götze: I don't want to judge on his situation at FC Bayern München, since his competition at club level is certainly slightly different to what he finds here with us. I've spoken with him a lot and we often talk on the phone as well. He lives and breathes football and shows his quality in whatever position you play him. He is extremely dangerous in front of the goal and thanks to his good orientation skills he is able to score goals against strong teams like Brazil or Argentina. He's always given his best when he was with us, but he's also still very young and has ups and downs in his form. I told him to fight his way through at FC Bayern and then the coach will give him the time on the pitch.
... Emre Can: Emre Can had some good moments in the Poland game but also has some areas to improve in, even if he wasn't playing his favourite position. I will wait for today's afternoon training session before looking at my options. I will also consider which players to bring on towards the end of the match, who can have an impact on our game like Gündogan did against Poland. I was generally satisfied with Emre Can's performance. Philipp Lahm was a very consistent player for years in Germany's national team and now we have to develop new players for the position.
... the tactical alignment for the full-backs: We wanted to play a high line with our full-backs against Poland, in order to stretch the game apart. We conceded the goal after a mistake which allowed Poland too much space. Pace isn’t the only issue. You also have to be quick mentally and anticipate a certain situation before it happens.
... personal stadium highlight: Rio was definitely my highlight and the stadium is meant to host finals. Next year I would like to contest the final at the Stade de France in Paris.
Manuel Neuer on...
... the game against Scotland: I've never been here and look forward to getting to know the country, the stadium and the Scottish fans. I'm sure they will give it their best and we have to be prepared for that.
... opponents Scotland: We know that anything can happen and we have to give 100 percent in order to prevail. I expect Scotland to play similarly as they did in Dortmund last year (2-1 victory for Germany), lying deep and waiting for chances to counter attack.
... Mario Götze in the national team: He scored the match-winning goal in the final for us. Mario certainly went through a tough time, but he's always delivered good performances, whether at club level or in the national team. He is highly professional, also a threat in the final third, he can read games well, create space and continues to develop as a player.
... Jerome Boateng: As a keeper, I can fully rely on him. Jerome is tall, strong in the air, quick and possesses the required skills on the ball. Together with Mats Hummels he forms a great centre-back duo.
... Germany's number 2: We have a lot of good keepers in Germany and it's something to be proud off. There will be no problems in the future for the DFB-Team in that regard, also because of the first-class training that we have both at club level and here at the national team under Andreas Köpke.
... tactics from the keeper's perspective: In most games, we face a situation where the opposition has retreated deep into their own half and that means that our full-backs have to move forward and give support. We need more passing-options then and crosses which can lead to us scoring goals. When the opponent does counter attack, the full-backs are often required to make a 70-metre spring back. We are aware of that and need to work on finding a solution.
