Sané: "Double home game for me"

Leroy Sané was not in the public eye a year ago, but now almost everyone will be aware of the 20-year-old. The FC Schalke 04 attacking midfielder has had an incredible 12 months and his rise ultimately led him into Germany's European Championship squad. DFB.de spoke with Sané ahead of tonight’s game against Hungary.

DFB.de: Mr. Sané, preparation in Ascona has ended. Now the camp is over, what are your thoughts?

Leroy Sané: It's been a great fortnight. I was subjected to new experiences, learned a lot and got to know my team mates better. We had intensive training sessions and worked hard. But we also had a lot of fun together and overall it was just a very pleasant time.

DFB.de: As a young player, how do you approach a training camp like this?

Sané: At first you're obviously somewhat reserved. You watch everything closely but stay in the background. On the pitch it's all different though. The older players demanded me to perform to my abilities. They told me that I should show myself. I'm the type of player who voices his concerns on the pitch anyway. When I see a dangerous situation building up behind a player, then I will let him know. Obviously us players try to help each other on the pitch. Age doesn't matter in that regard.

DFB.de: How did you find out that you would be in the final squad for the European Championship?

Sané: I didn't talk to the coach before hand, so I didn't know what his final decision would be. It was a very exciting day on Tuesday.

DFB.de: When did you know that you would be in the squad?

Sané: I knew once the press conference had begun that I would be part of the squad to travel to France.

DFB.de: Is there compassion between colleagues? Did you talk to Julian Brandt, Karim Bellarabi, Sebastian Rudy or Marco Reus after the announcement?

Sané: You obviously feel for your team mates who don't make it. They are all great football players and wonderful colleagues. It's particularly unfortunate for Marco Reus, as another injury prevented him from taking part in a big tournament. I got along really well with all four of them and I feel for each of them. The coach has to make a decision and I can imagine that he didn't have an easy time making it.

DFB.de: Tonight's game against Hungary will take place in Gelsenkirchen - your home town. Will your family be watching?

Sané: Yes of course, my entire family will be there. The game with Hungary will be very special for me. I feel comfortable in the stadium, as I know the procedures very well here. It's like a double home game for me. I think I will be able to perform slightly more assured here.

DFB.de: The game with Hungary is a family-match by the DFB. Many children will be in the stadium. What is your take on that?

Sané: I think it's a great idea. The kids will get the opportunity to see their stars up close and live. I remember very well when I attended a national team game as a child. It was also in Gelsenkirchen and Germany played against France. It was a great experience and hopefully other kids will feel the same tonight when we play Hungary.

DFB.de: How important would it be to secure a victory after the defeat against Slovakia?

Sané: It's our goal to collect a win. We obviously want to head to France coming off of a victory. We also want to present ourselves well to our younger fans. Therefore I hope that we are able to produce a good performance against Hungary. We are all motivated and underestimate the opponent. We are a confident team, but it would help us if we can secure a victory from this game.

DFB.de: You've made two appearances for Germany so far - last November against France and no recently against Slovakia. Both games, although not comparable with one another, as they were played under difficult circumstances. Are you looking forward to take part in a normal international fixture?

Sané: So far my national team career hasn't been very successful and particularly the events in Paris were extremely tragic. It's really about time to have a "normal" game and to collect my first victory.