The friendlies are now history. Die Mannschaft recorded a 2-0 victory over Hungary in their final match ahead of the European Championship in France. After the game, Germany coach Joachim Löw talked about the successful final dress rehearsal, areas that still need work, his willingness to experiment and expectations for the upcoming tournament.
Question: What is your verdict on this 2-0 victory over Hungary?
Joachim Löw: Overall I'm satisfied with our performance. It was an important victory. It will give us a certain stability. We can head to the Euros with a good feeling. It's completely normal that some things aren't working out perfectly just yet.
Question: Could you explain what areas you weren’t entirely happy with?
Löw: We saw that we still have some work left to be done. In certain situations we were lacking freshness and momentum, which is completely normal after the exhausting days we had in Ascona. We will continue to work hard this next week and I'm confident that we will get it right before our first game.
Question: Mario Götze played as a false nine in the first half, whereas in the second Mario Gomez led the line. Which set-up do you prefer for your first group game against the Ukraine?
Löw: I don't know yet but both are options. I'm satisfied with both of their performances. Mario Götze is back in a good rhythm, although he didn't play as much recently for his club. He can play as our striker, but also behind the striker which is a big advantage for him. Mario Gomez is always dangerous when he is fed balls in the penalty area. We will most likely decide on a game by game basis.
Question: You also made quite a few experiments against Hungary. Benedikt Höwedes played as a right back, Mesut Özil could be found in attacking midfield but also in a slightly more defensive position and Emre Can played left back. What did you learn from these changes?
Löw: It was important for Benni Höwedes to get some match practice. But on the right we also have Joshua Kimmich, who is able to link up with our attack nicely. Emre Can can play a number of positions and at Leverkusen he's played left back before as well. Mesut can do a lot for our game in defensive midfield alongside Toni Kroos. We can play with different systems and formations, which will hopefully be an advantage for us. But I don't want to confirm that certain players will definitely play a certain position. I don't have a favoured starting line-up. It's only important that all our players know how to play in their positions.
Question: What was your verdict on Bastian Schweinsteiger's short comeback?
Löw: It was a first step but also an important step after he hadn't played in such a long time. He gives our team a certain sense of security when he steps onto the pitch with his personality. He clearly has to keep the training rhythm high now and continue working even on the two days we gave the team off.
Question: What areas will you be working on in your final training sessions ahead of the game against Ukraine?
Löw: We have to work on our freshness and dynamics. We also want to improve our handling of certain situations like - when should we drop back and when should be press the opponent? We still have a few things to take care of.
Question: What are your expectations for the tournament in France?
Löw: Since we are playing an extra game this year, there will be games where both teams are running low on energy. The players can't just display their football skills, but they also have to accept and master the physical and mental challenges a tournament like this presents.
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The friendlies are now history. Die Mannschaft recorded a 2-0 victory over Hungary in their final match ahead of the European Championship in France. After the game, Germany coach Joachim Löw talked about the successful final dress rehearsal, areas that still need work, his willingness to experiment and expectations for the upcoming tournament.
Question: What is your verdict on this 2-0 victory over Hungary?
Joachim Löw: Overall I'm satisfied with our performance. It was an important victory. It will give us a certain stability. We can head to the Euros with a good feeling. It's completely normal that some things aren't working out perfectly just yet.
Question: Could you explain what areas you weren’t entirely happy with?
Löw: We saw that we still have some work left to be done. In certain situations we were lacking freshness and momentum, which is completely normal after the exhausting days we had in Ascona. We will continue to work hard this next week and I'm confident that we will get it right before our first game.
Question: Mario Götze played as a false nine in the first half, whereas in the second Mario Gomez led the line. Which set-up do you prefer for your first group game against the Ukraine?
Löw: I don't know yet but both are options. I'm satisfied with both of their performances. Mario Götze is back in a good rhythm, although he didn't play as much recently for his club. He can play as our striker, but also behind the striker which is a big advantage for him. Mario Gomez is always dangerous when he is fed balls in the penalty area. We will most likely decide on a game by game basis.
Question: You also made quite a few experiments against Hungary. Benedikt Höwedes played as a right back, Mesut Özil could be found in attacking midfield but also in a slightly more defensive position and Emre Can played left back. What did you learn from these changes?
Löw: It was important for Benni Höwedes to get some match practice. But on the right we also have Joshua Kimmich, who is able to link up with our attack nicely. Emre Can can play a number of positions and at Leverkusen he's played left back before as well. Mesut can do a lot for our game in defensive midfield alongside Toni Kroos. We can play with different systems and formations, which will hopefully be an advantage for us. But I don't want to confirm that certain players will definitely play a certain position. I don't have a favoured starting line-up. It's only important that all our players know how to play in their positions.
Question: What was your verdict on Bastian Schweinsteiger's short comeback?
Löw: It was a first step but also an important step after he hadn't played in such a long time. He gives our team a certain sense of security when he steps onto the pitch with his personality. He clearly has to keep the training rhythm high now and continue working even on the two days we gave the team off.
Question: What areas will you be working on in your final training sessions ahead of the game against Ukraine?
Löw: We have to work on our freshness and dynamics. We also want to improve our handling of certain situations like - when should we drop back and when should be press the opponent? We still have a few things to take care of.
Question: What are your expectations for the tournament in France?
Löw: Since we are playing an extra game this year, there will be games where both teams are running low on energy. The players can't just display their football skills, but they also have to accept and master the physical and mental challenges a tournament like this presents.
