Day three in Germany’s EURO 2016 base in Évian-les-Bains and the second press conference has taken place. Manuel Neuer and Jonas Hector faced the media to discuss preparations ahead of the tournament, which starts on Friday.
Mats Hummels took to the pitch with the team on Thursday morning and completed an individual session. Lukas Podolski was in training for the first time since joining up with the team after his extra day of holiday, while replacement Jonathan Tah arrived at 11:45 CEST. Marc-André ter Stegen had a stiff neck and couldn’t train, instead receiving individual treatment.
Manuel Neuer on...
...the EURO 2016 atmosphere: We're excited that the tournament is about to begin. We obviously need training sessions and preparation time but the best part is when the matches get underway. We’ll all sit down in front of the television and watch the opening game together. The mood in the team is very good, we can hardly wait to get out onto the pitch.
...the captaincy: The manager hasn’t spoken to the team or me personally. Who wears the armband when Bastian Schweinsteiger doesn’t start doesn’t play too big a role.
...the defensive formation against Ukraine: We’re going to have a very good defence but that’s the manager’s decision.
...Benedikt Höwedes and Julian Draxler: I have positives to say about both. Bene can play in several positions, even in a four-man defence. After Antonio Rüdiger being ruled out, it’s good to have versatile defenders and Bene fits exactly in that category. Julian has made a good impression and has performed well in training. However, we have other alternatives and boast plenty of options in attack.
...Jonas Hector: Jonas played in almost every game in qualifying and, in the process, put in some very good performances. He has become a regular in the team. He should play exactly as he has done previously. We know how strong he is down the left side.
...coordination at set pieces: That’s not a problem because we can use training sessions and already have done in order to practice set pieces. This doesn’t just involve eleven players, everyone needs to know. Every player has to take responsibility in such a situation. This has to automatically kick in.
...the choice between a three-man and four-man defence: That obviously depends upon the opposition. We can play in either formation and it could be the case that we switch during the game.
Jonas Hector on...
...his first European Championship: It’s anything but normal. It’s something else when it’s such a big tournament. I’m pumped and really looking forward to my time at the tournament. To be part of the group, which could potentially be together until 10th July, is also a new experience.
...combining with Julian Draxler: We’re using the sessions to coordinate in defence and attack. It’s been getting better in the last few weeks and we were able to put our work into practice on the pitch ahead of the opener against Hungary.
Oliver Bierhoff on...
... excitement ahead of the EURO 2016 opener: The excitement has been building for a long time; everyone is happy and satisfied and are getting into their stride. It kicks off properly on Friday and we’ll watch on TV.
... team spirit in Évian: We hope that we can increase the team spirit with a win in our first game but there’s already a really positive atmosphere amongst the players. The more experienced players are helping the younger squad members. I’m confident that we’ll be successful with this group. We want to top the group and then we’ll see what happens next.
... title ambitions: I’m obviously very proud to have scored the last goal for Germany in a European Championship final. But this record must come to an end. We want to write a new chapter and return to Germany with our fourth title.
... arrival of Lukas Podolski and Jonathan Tah: Lukas arrived yesterday and it was clear to see how delighted and relaxed he is. Jonathan has also arrived at the hotel. He’ll be kitted out and then fully integrated.
... the death of manager Sascha Lewandowski: We heard the news after training this morning. We are shocked and saddened. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.
... the collaboration with SAP: Data is not only important for us here, rather across the whole world. Football is undergoing several developments and when we want to continue to progress, we need data - for the game, but also to control training. We’re pleased that we have found a great partner in SAP, who provide us with data quickly.
... the visit from head referee Herbert Fandel: He explained to us the decisions and the rule changes. He made sure all the players understand - that’s important.
Scout Christofer Clemens on …
... technology used in preparing for games: The app "Penalty Insights" highlights preferences of penalty takers; "Challenger Insights" offers the opportunity to adjust tactics to individuals before kick-off. When we find out that a player that we didn’t expect is starting for the opposition, a tactical variation is immediately available. The players see opponents’ strengths and weaknesses in short video clips. In that respect, there’s an added value in being able to access these directly prior to kick-off. In the most crucial phases of games, we can still look at a quick clip. We hope and assume that the coaching staff on the bench will be able to use this technology during EURO 2016.
... technology improving chances of success: Just because we use such technology, doesn’t mean that victories are guaranteed. At the end of the day, it fortunately comes down to the players - but we are increasing the likelihood and avoiding risks.
created by mmc/kr
Day three in Germany’s EURO 2016 base in Évian-les-Bains and the second press conference has taken place. Manuel Neuer and Jonas Hector faced the media to discuss preparations ahead of the tournament, which starts on Friday.
Mats Hummels took to the pitch with the team on Thursday morning and completed an individual session. Lukas Podolski was in training for the first time since joining up with the team after his extra day of holiday, while replacement Jonathan Tah arrived at 11:45 CEST. Marc-André ter Stegen had a stiff neck and couldn’t train, instead receiving individual treatment.
Manuel Neuer on...
...the EURO 2016 atmosphere: We're excited that the tournament is about to begin. We obviously need training sessions and preparation time but the best part is when the matches get underway. We’ll all sit down in front of the television and watch the opening game together. The mood in the team is very good, we can hardly wait to get out onto the pitch.
...the captaincy: The manager hasn’t spoken to the team or me personally. Who wears the armband when Bastian Schweinsteiger doesn’t start doesn’t play too big a role.
...the defensive formation against Ukraine: We’re going to have a very good defence but that’s the manager’s decision.
...Benedikt Höwedes and Julian Draxler: I have positives to say about both. Bene can play in several positions, even in a four-man defence. After Antonio Rüdiger being ruled out, it’s good to have versatile defenders and Bene fits exactly in that category. Julian has made a good impression and has performed well in training. However, we have other alternatives and boast plenty of options in attack.
...Jonas Hector: Jonas played in almost every game in qualifying and, in the process, put in some very good performances. He has become a regular in the team. He should play exactly as he has done previously. We know how strong he is down the left side.
...coordination at set pieces: That’s not a problem because we can use training sessions and already have done in order to practice set pieces. This doesn’t just involve eleven players, everyone needs to know. Every player has to take responsibility in such a situation. This has to automatically kick in.
...the choice between a three-man and four-man defence: That obviously depends upon the opposition. We can play in either formation and it could be the case that we switch during the game.
Jonas Hector on...
...his first European Championship: It’s anything but normal. It’s something else when it’s such a big tournament. I’m pumped and really looking forward to my time at the tournament. To be part of the group, which could potentially be together until 10th July, is also a new experience.
...combining with Julian Draxler: We’re using the sessions to coordinate in defence and attack. It’s been getting better in the last few weeks and we were able to put our work into practice on the pitch ahead of the opener against Hungary.
Oliver Bierhoff on...
... excitement ahead of the EURO 2016 opener: The excitement has been building for a long time; everyone is happy and satisfied and are getting into their stride. It kicks off properly on Friday and we’ll watch on TV.
... team spirit in Évian: We hope that we can increase the team spirit with a win in our first game but there’s already a really positive atmosphere amongst the players. The more experienced players are helping the younger squad members. I’m confident that we’ll be successful with this group. We want to top the group and then we’ll see what happens next.
... title ambitions: I’m obviously very proud to have scored the last goal for Germany in a European Championship final. But this record must come to an end. We want to write a new chapter and return to Germany with our fourth title.
... arrival of Lukas Podolski and Jonathan Tah: Lukas arrived yesterday and it was clear to see how delighted and relaxed he is. Jonathan has also arrived at the hotel. He’ll be kitted out and then fully integrated.
... the death of manager Sascha Lewandowski: We heard the news after training this morning. We are shocked and saddened. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.
... the collaboration with SAP: Data is not only important for us here, rather across the whole world. Football is undergoing several developments and when we want to continue to progress, we need data - for the game, but also to control training. We’re pleased that we have found a great partner in SAP, who provide us with data quickly.
... the visit from head referee Herbert Fandel: He explained to us the decisions and the rule changes. He made sure all the players understand - that’s important.
Scout Christofer Clemens on …
... technology used in preparing for games: The app "Penalty Insights" highlights preferences of penalty takers; "Challenger Insights" offers the opportunity to adjust tactics to individuals before kick-off. When we find out that a player that we didn’t expect is starting for the opposition, a tactical variation is immediately available. The players see opponents’ strengths and weaknesses in short video clips. In that respect, there’s an added value in being able to access these directly prior to kick-off. In the most crucial phases of games, we can still look at a quick clip. We hope and assume that the coaching staff on the bench will be able to use this technology during EURO 2016.
... technology improving chances of success: Just because we use such technology, doesn’t mean that victories are guaranteed. At the end of the day, it fortunately comes down to the players - but we are increasing the likelihood and avoiding risks.
