Mesut Özil on...
...Germany's poor competitive record against Italy: Germany obviously hasn’t fared well against Italy at major tournaments. But as players, we are professionals and we want to show to everyone on Saturday that we can indeed beat Italy. We have the potential to beat every nation and we want to prove that against the Italians tomorrow.
...the self belief within the team: We have always had confidence, as we have very good and experienced players in our squad. The younger players are also confident. You can feel the energy and the hunger for success. We have a goal which is to be crowned European champions. The tough opponents now await us and we have to beat them.
...being called the "most complete team": It's a big compliment for us, but we know our own strengths. If you look at our recent games, it's clear that we operate as a team both defensively and in attack. Victory on Saturday will be the most important thing though. We’re determined to reach the next stage.
The final press conference ahead of the EURO 2016 quarterfinal with Italy (21:00 CEST) saw Die Mannschaft coach Joachim Löw and midfielder Mesut Özil answer questions on the opposition, the atmosphere in the team, a possible back three and hopes of winning the title.
Joachim Löw on...
...a potential system change: Naturally we've studied the Italians intensively over the past week. Italy do not only possess defensive qualities, but they have good abilities in attacking areas as well. We will be facing a different calibre of attack compared with our previous four games. We have studied them closely and I think we are well prepared. I expect a close contest and we know what to expect. It's not about a whether we go for a three-man backline or not, but rather that we have to find the right balance between attack and defence. We can't make too many mistakes and allow too many chances.
...the atmosphere in the team: You shouldn't be misled into that everything is easygoing here. The players are highly focused during training sessions and the tension levels rise prior to every knockout game. Every match could be our last and you can feel the tension. Concentration in training is high, but there is also the necessary level of relaxation. There is a good atmosphere in the team - it's what is required.
...Germany's recent friendly win over Italy: The Italians will not allow themselves to be fazed by a friendly defeat. We know the Italians and know that they can grow stronger as a unit during the course of a tournament. They have a well-oiled setup; a lot of their players have known each other for a long time and play together at Juventus. Friendlies aren't that important. What matters is what happens at the tournament and we expect Italy to be a strong side.
...a potential absence of Daniele de Rossi: I don't know if he will be playing, we will see tomorrow. Italy always try to surprise their opponents and change their formation in a way which is difficult to predict. We have to be able to handle that. It would obviously be important for them if he can play, but Italy have a lot of other good midfielders. They always find a solution.
...their opponents: We are definitely confident, since we know our own strengths. The team is full of self belief. The stronger your opponents get, the more you have to point out and realise what makes them strong. Italy find good solutions in attack and defence. It's important to know a lot about your own game, but also about the opponents’ game.
...being favourites: Our opponents tomorrow can also win the European Championship. Any team that manages to reach the semi-finals want to get to the final as well. Both teams have the quality, but there is still a long road to the title. We have to play our next game first, before looking at the semi-final, which will likely be against the hosts - another really tough game. It's still a long way, but the team that wins on Saturday will be amongst the favourites for the title.
Mesut Özil on...
...Germany's poor competitive record against Italy: Germany obviously hasn’t fared well against Italy at major tournaments. But as players, we are professionals and we want to show to everyone on Saturday that we can indeed beat Italy. We have the potential to beat every nation and we want to prove that against the Italians tomorrow.
...the self belief within the team: We have always had confidence, as we have very good and experienced players in our squad. The younger players are also confident. You can feel the energy and the hunger for success. We have a goal which is to be crowned European champions. The tough opponents now await us and we have to beat them.
...being called the "most complete team": It's a big compliment for us, but we know our own strengths. If you look at our recent games, it's clear that we operate as a team both defensively and in attack. Victory on Saturday will be the most important thing though. We’re determined to reach the next stage.
