There are just two days to go until Germany kick off their EURO 2016 campaign against Ukraine on Sunday (21:00 CEST) in Lille. Assistant manager Thomas Schneider and World Champions Julian Draxler and André Schürrle faced the press one day before departing to the North of France. Here’s what they had to say about the mood in camp, opposition and anticipation to get started.
THOMAS SCHNEIDER ON...
... the team situation: We’re excited that the tournament is getting underway. We’re ready for Sunday. Jogi Löw has recently spoken about readjustments and we’ve also worked well to implement these ideas. We’ve worked on areas that stood out in the friendlies, including organisation in defence and set pieces.
... opponents Ukraine: They’re a powerful side, who only conceded four goals in qualifying. They’re compact and are able to turn defence into attack. Ukraine boast some quick wingers in Jarmolenko and Konopljanka, who they always look to use. We have worked with video coaching within the group and individually so that everyone knows their task.
... Mats Hummels: The situation with Mats Hummels is looking good. He trained individually for an hour, including exercises with the ball and changes of direction. It incorporated a mixture of everything so he can reintegrate into the team training. He’ll have a discussion with Joachim Löw after lunch, in which it’ll be decided whether he’ll travel with the side or stay here and continue individual training.
... preparation for Ukraine: We have worked well. You can sense a certain level of tension, but that’s a good thing.
... the use of technology: We have tablets in the changing room, which provide the players with relevant information. We also have access to one in the dugout. We’re not allowed to be online but information is available to us.
... Mesut Özil’s role: Mesut is in very, very good shape and when that’s the case, you can also play centrally.
There are just two days to go until Germany kick off their EURO 2016 campaign against Ukraine on Sunday (21:00 CEST) in Lille. Assistant manager Thomas Schneider and World Champions Julian Draxler and André Schürrle faced the press one day before departing to the North of France. Here’s what they had to say about the mood in camp, opposition and anticipation to get started.
THOMAS SCHNEIDER ON...
... the team situation: We’re excited that the tournament is getting underway. We’re ready for Sunday. Jogi Löw has recently spoken about readjustments and we’ve also worked well to implement these ideas. We’ve worked on areas that stood out in the friendlies, including organisation in defence and set pieces.
... opponents Ukraine: They’re a powerful side, who only conceded four goals in qualifying. They’re compact and are able to turn defence into attack. Ukraine boast some quick wingers in Jarmolenko and Konopljanka, who they always look to use. We have worked with video coaching within the group and individually so that everyone knows their task.
... Mats Hummels: The situation with Mats Hummels is looking good. He trained individually for an hour, including exercises with the ball and changes of direction. It incorporated a mixture of everything so he can reintegrate into the team training. He’ll have a discussion with Joachim Löw after lunch, in which it’ll be decided whether he’ll travel with the side or stay here and continue individual training.
... preparation for Ukraine: We have worked well. You can sense a certain level of tension, but that’s a good thing.
... the use of technology: We have tablets in the changing room, which provide the players with relevant information. We also have access to one in the dugout. We’re not allowed to be online but information is available to us.
... Mesut Özil’s role: Mesut is in very, very good shape and when that’s the case, you can also play centrally.
JULIAN DRAXLER ON...
... the time after his injury: First of all, I was obviously shocked with the diagnosis and the fact that I would probably be sidelined for six to eight weeks. However, I focused as quickly as possible on getting back into shape. I’ve worked on my comeback day and night and I believe that’s gone well.
... Mesut Özil: I’m a massive fan of Mesut - both his technical ability and general reading of the game.
... combining with Jonas Hector on the wing: Jonas and I have combined well in attack during the friendlies but we’re still not at the top level. Like the entire team, we haven’t yet performed to our absolute best. I’m not worried though. We’ll be at our highest possible level when the tournament starts.
ANDRÉ SCHÜRRLE ON...
... the mood ahead of the start of EURO 2016: We're well prepared and are excited that it's finally about to begin. Our weeks of preparation have gone well and we’ve also work hard here in France.
... difficulties with the late kick-off: We’re all used to late kick-offs as it’s the same in the Champions League. It’s not a big issue. We know how to act, how everything runs and when to switch on.
... his motivation ahead of the opener: Regardless of what role I play, I’m ready.
