The round of 16 of EURO 2016 in France is approaching, and the tension is mounting for the Germany national team. Preparation for their match against Slovakia in Lille on Sunday (18:00 CEST, live on ZDF and Fan-Club-Radio) is well and truly under way.
Because of a newly-laid pitch at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, the world champions have abandoned their original plan, and will travel to Northern France after their final training session in Évian on Saturday (11:00 CEST). Beforehand, EUROs debutant Joshua Kimmich and World Goalkeeper of the Year Manuel Neuer discuss the knockout match against Slovakia and the feeling in the team.
MANUEL NEUER ON...
... the upcoming knockout stage: We have done really well so far, but now the knockout stage is near. We are a team that does not mess about, and we know what is expected of us. Slovakia are deservedly in the last 16, but a decisive victory for us would really push us on. It is a different type of pressure in the knockout rounds compared to the group stage but for me personally, nothing changes. We want to successful. We are not out to break records, we are just looking to get the right result.
... the Slovakia match: The knockout stage is getting under way, and so anything can happen in any match. We should not take any opponent for granted. Slovakia are familiar with us after our game in Augsburg. But that was a different game in different conditions. We have played well and want to decide the game in our favour as early as possible, so that we can proceed into the quarter final.
... the Slovakian star Marek Hamsik: Everyone knows that Hamsik can shoot from distance, because he scores such brilliant goals for Napoli. However, he was not playing very high up the pitch in the group stage. Therefore, it is very important for our front six to hamper his play as early as possible. But we should not just concentrate on one single player, but look at the team as a whole.
... the injured Jerome Boateng: it is important that Jerome listens to body. He is professional enough to make the decision himself, whether that be yes or no. False ambition would do more damage than good. But I know Jerome, and I am certain that he will be on that pitch on Sunday. Everyone knows his qualities, and we all hope that he will be available on Sunday.
... the German defence which has so far conceded no goals: We must keep that record going, but we know that we could definitely concede at some point. So far we have put a lot into it, and we have defended very well as a team.
... their earlier EUROs opponents: So far, we have only played against teams who have parked the bus. It is obvious that in games like this, you are not going to win by a lot. Against teams who want to take us on, Germany can win by a lot.
... his temporary role as captain: We would love it, if Bastian was available to play from the start of matches. However, the manager decides. But I am prepared to relinquish the armband at any time.
JOSHUA KIMMICH ON…
…his impressive EURO debut in the 1-0 win over Northern Ireland: Obviously it’s great when you put in such a good performance in your first game and the team wins. However, the focus is now on preparing for our match against Slovakia.
…Bastian Schweinsteiger’s role: Bastian is the team’s captain. For the young players and those who haven’t made many appearances, it’s important to see the way he leads with positivity and a good team spirit, even though he hasn’t started yet in the tournament.
…being compared to World Cup winning captain Philipp Lahm: Philipp is the best full-back in the world in my opinion and I have only played one match there. Therefore, it isn’t really comparable, even if it’s nice on a personal level.
…the support from his family: I have a great relationship with my family. I have never lost the respect for my parents and my sister. That is very important to me. It’s also helpful to have friends in the team. I get along really well with Manu (Neuer). Everything is great between us at the moment and I am happy when Manuel or Thomas (Müller) comes to me with tips that I can then try and implement.
created by mmc/mb
The round of 16 of EURO 2016 in France is approaching, and the tension is mounting for the Germany national team. Preparation for their match against Slovakia in Lille on Sunday (18:00 CEST, live on ZDF and Fan-Club-Radio) is well and truly under way.
Because of a newly-laid pitch at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, the world champions have abandoned their original plan, and will travel to Northern France after their final training session in Évian on Saturday (11:00 CEST). Beforehand, EUROs debutant Joshua Kimmich and World Goalkeeper of the Year Manuel Neuer discuss the knockout match against Slovakia and the feeling in the team.
MANUEL NEUER ON...
... the upcoming knockout stage: We have done really well so far, but now the knockout stage is near. We are a team that does not mess about, and we know what is expected of us. Slovakia are deservedly in the last 16, but a decisive victory for us would really push us on. It is a different type of pressure in the knockout rounds compared to the group stage but for me personally, nothing changes. We want to successful. We are not out to break records, we are just looking to get the right result.
... the Slovakia match: The knockout stage is getting under way, and so anything can happen in any match. We should not take any opponent for granted. Slovakia are familiar with us after our game in Augsburg. But that was a different game in different conditions. We have played well and want to decide the game in our favour as early as possible, so that we can proceed into the quarter final.
... the Slovakian star Marek Hamsik: Everyone knows that Hamsik can shoot from distance, because he scores such brilliant goals for Napoli. However, he was not playing very high up the pitch in the group stage. Therefore, it is very important for our front six to hamper his play as early as possible. But we should not just concentrate on one single player, but look at the team as a whole.
... the injured Jerome Boateng: it is important that Jerome listens to body. He is professional enough to make the decision himself, whether that be yes or no. False ambition would do more damage than good. But I know Jerome, and I am certain that he will be on that pitch on Sunday. Everyone knows his qualities, and we all hope that he will be available on Sunday.
... the German defence which has so far conceded no goals: We must keep that record going, but we know that we could definitely concede at some point. So far we have put a lot into it, and we have defended very well as a team.
... their earlier EUROs opponents: So far, we have only played against teams who have parked the bus. It is obvious that in games like this, you are not going to win by a lot. Against teams who want to take us on, Germany can win by a lot.
... his temporary role as captain: We would love it, if Bastian was available to play from the start of matches. However, the manager decides. But I am prepared to relinquish the armband at any time.
JOSHUA KIMMICH ON…
…his impressive EURO debut in the 1-0 win over Northern Ireland: Obviously it’s great when you put in such a good performance in your first game and the team wins. However, the focus is now on preparing for our match against Slovakia.
…Bastian Schweinsteiger’s role: Bastian is the team’s captain. For the young players and those who haven’t made many appearances, it’s important to see the way he leads with positivity and a good team spirit, even though he hasn’t started yet in the tournament.
…being compared to World Cup winning captain Philipp Lahm: Philipp is the best full-back in the world in my opinion and I have only played one match there. Therefore, it isn’t really comparable, even if it’s nice on a personal level.
…the support from his family: I have a great relationship with my family. I have never lost the respect for my parents and my sister. That is very important to me. It’s also helpful to have friends in the team. I get along really well with Manu (Neuer). Everything is great between us at the moment and I am happy when Manuel or Thomas (Müller) comes to me with tips that I can then try and implement.
