Löw: "It will be a symbolic game against Holland"

It was certainly not a normal day for the national team at the Barsinghausen sport complex. Germany manager Joachim Löw and team manager Oliver Bierhoff spoke to journalists about the barbaric terrorist attacks in Paris, as well as the state of mind among the players after the game at the Stade de France on Friday. Finally, they also explained why the match on Tuesday (20:45 CET) against the Netherlands in Hanover is so important.

Joachim Löw on...

... the night at the stadium: It was very difficult for us, because our emotions were all over the play. There was so much information coming in, but initially there were no images. We could barely comprehend what was happening. At first there was a lot of unrest and tension, you could also sense fear around the place. We had to decide whether or not to go back to the hotel or stay in the stadium, where we felt relatively safe. I have to compliment everyone in the changing room for staying calm. It showed what a good team we have, one that sticks together in such situations. A few people slept, not me.

... the solidarity between the French and German teams: I’ve never experienced anything like that. I thought it was a wonderful gesture that the team and Didier Deschamps stayed with us in the stadium. That invited us to stay overnight in Clairefontaine and free up a few rooms. It shows solidarity between the two nations and players.

... the reaction from the players and their thoughts on cancelling the match: We didn’t speak to each player individually, but we asked a few during the night. The first thought was whether it would be play so soon after in this state of shock and fear. The next day we all agreed that the best thing would be to play and set an example. Everyone shares the opinion that the game will be a positive symbol.

... his own feelings: I had time to think and recovery from the initial shock from this horrendous, terrible and totally shocking night. In the changing room that night I had plenty of time to think about whether or not the game can go ahead. When we landed in Frankfurt the next morning, I felt like the match couldn’t take place, however we all agreed that we would discuss it on Sunday and sleep on it. Then it became clear that the match had to take place, as a message for freedom and democracy, but also as a display of solidarity to our friends in France. Our thoughts will also be with the relatives and victims of all the victims. We will continue to grieve and think about all the affected. Because of that I hope the often discussed rivalry between the two nations will be left aside and the game can take on a new meaning. If the game goes ahead, we’ve won regardless of the result.

… the symbolism of the Holland game: The rivalry of the two teams will be pushed to one side. Both teams will be cautious and professional and the result will not be the most important thing about the game. It will be symbolic.

… the preparation of the team: It’s going to be difficult. We’re going to talk to the team about different things like why the game is happening, what the reasons are and why it is symbolic. A return to daily routine is not ideal but we want to show in our performance that we are concentrated. The sporting side of it is less relevant for the game. This game is no longer part of preparation for the European Championship, as previously planned.

… the players who have left: The cancellations of the players has nothing to do with the terror attacks. It had already been discussed that players like Bastian Schweinsteiger, who don’t have Winter breaks, would be rested. Jerome Boateng and Jonas Hector are injured and will not be available.

… his expectations of the fans in Hannover: I don’t expect chanting or a party atmosphere, but that they are united with the players and show solidarity. That would be the most important message.

… the fears of another attack: We have not spoken with the team since Saturday but will do today. We are not worried at the moment and we know there will be more security for this game. Everything will be done to ensure safety at the match.

... the staging of the European Championships in France 2016: I am certain that it will not be changed and that the government and security services will offer the highest levels of safety. It doesn’t make sense to change it just because of something that happened on Friday, which could happen anywhere.

Oliver Bierhoff on…

… the night in the Stade de France: I couldn’t, and wouldn’t allow myself to sleep as we were constantly getting updates on the situation. At first I was in the stands when I realised what was going on. You are uncertain what happens in the dressing room in order to keep going. It is unbelievable how you just get on with things. In the moment you only think about who to tell, to speak to and what to do. It was good to have a team by your side. Everyone was happy to get out. We wanted to get out earlier and because it took so long it was such a relief.

… the decision to go ahead with the Holland game: Thoughts of cancelling the game were put forward on the night after discussion with the players and staff. We continued to think this was the right decision the day after, but it was good that we slept on it and decided that going ahead with the game would be a better stance for the national team and sportsmen. We know that it wasn’t anything against us personally, and, as a national team, we want to accept that. The game will, therefore, go ahead. We want to stand for our values, freedom and culture, and to show our solidarity.

… safety measures for the game in Hannover: There will be an increased security presence and police with dogs in the hotel before our arrival. There will also be higher security measures put in place for the game. The bomb scare stayed in the players’ minds. We were well informed by the French, however, and I would like to thank them for their help and cooperation. It has been made clear that the guarantee of safety is everyone’s highest priority.

… plans for before the Holland game: We have to think about what we can do. We are looking for fans’ input about this matter. We want to represent the symbolism of the game. The Dutch FA are being very cooperative in this respect, but we need to discuss it with them. Whatever happens, it will be appropriate for the occasion.

… integration and the DFB: It’s important that we continue in a genuine way. Integration is important to us. Our players don’t necessarily shout about it, but they live it. People like Mesut Özil or Sami Khedira show that even with a migrant background, you can manage. They are role models. There are also volunteers in the team that don’t get praise. We want to recognize their commitments and support them very strongly in the future.