Oliver Bierhoff: "Roll up our sleeves and play with spirit"

Just three days to go until the friendly encounter against France (Friday, 21:00 CET) in Paris, and already three protagonists of the German setup have faced the media.

DFB team manager Oliver Bierhoff, world champion Lukas Podolski and squad returner Mario Gomez, who will be hoping to play his first international match since the 3rd September 2013, talk to the media about the upcoming matches against next year’s European Championship hosts and the final international match of the year against the Netherlands on Tuesday (20:45 CET).

OLIVER BIERHOFF ON...

… the final two international games of 2015. The national side is the figurehead of German football. For that reason, we have to perform well and play with desire. We have to roll up our sleeves, and put in spirited performances in both games in order to entertain the fans.

… new players Kevin Trapp and Leroy Sané. The coaching staff are always looking to involve new players. We want to give them a chance to get in to the national side. It’s good to give them a feel for the team, so that they are not thrown in at the deep end in later tournaments or international games.

… injuries in the squad. Karim Bellarabi did not travel, but Max Kruse will stay and complete a running session this afternoon. I imagine he will stay with us for the whole period.

… the resignation of DFB president Wolfgang Niersbach. It really did hit me. I applaud him for making the decision, and taking political responsibility. It has showed that we are open and transparent in dealing with this issue here at the DFB. Wolfgang Niersbach was always closely involved with the national side, and was particularly close to the players. Having said that, his resignation will not affect the team, as we have been a tight unit for many years.

MARIO GOMEZ ON...

… his injuries in recent years. I am very, very happy to be able to sit here and talk about football once again, and not just injuries. The last two years have not been enjoyable. I wasn’t fit, so my move to Turkey was the right decision, even if it’s not the strongest league in the world. I am getting back into my rhythm, and am able to play every three days – something I was not capable of in Fiorentina. Everything has now worked out how I had hoped.

… his return to the senior side. I am back on the right track after a couple of difficult years. I was pleased when the manager rang me. I am now able to really enjoy it.

… the upcoming opposition. France are a very strong side, with big ambitions for the tournament next summer. The Netherlands are in a bit of transitional period, we will have to see what team we face.

… the striker situation in the national side. It’s not about me, but it won’t harm the side to have a striker. It wasn’t like they never had a striker, but it can’t hurt to have a player like me in case it doesn’t work. If I want to be involved next summer, then I will have to have a good few months now.

LUKAS PODOLSKI ON...

… the matches against France and the Netherlands. We’re looking forward to two great games against two great teams. We want to win both matches. We go again in March, against another two strong sides.

…his experiences in Turkey. It’s going very well in terms of football. I am playing, am staying fit and hope that this continues in the coming weeks and months. That’s the only way I will return to top form.