Schneider: "I see myself as Jogi's partner"

Today is the third day in the job for Joachim Löw’s new assistant coach - Thomas Schneider faced the media and the public for the first time. In Thursday's press conference, which comes two days before the qualifier against Poland in Warsaw on Saturday (20:45 CEST), he spoke about his role, the attributes he can bring to the team and the upcoming opponents.

Also present were World Champion Thomas Müller, who won the double with Bayern München last season, and Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Christoph Kramer. DFB.de were there and summarised what was said.

THOMAS SCHNEIDER ON...

...André Schürrle and Julian Draxler: Both are back. We hope they will be ready for the weekend. We won’t be bringing in any replacements.

...who will replace Mesut Özil: We have enough quality in the team. The players that remain are ready for the game.

...the strain on the players: The players are at their limits. We are as careful as possible in regards to player fitness. The players are important to us; we won’t push them too far.

...the upcoming opposition: Poland are a tough team with many technically good players – we know all about Robert Lewandowski and Lukasz Piszczek. They keep improving and defend compactly. We know what we are expecting when we face them.

...his first week as assistant coach: I’ve enjoyed getting to know the players. I’m already feeling at home here – not just as part of the team, but as part of the overall set-up.

... his tasks as assistant coach: I see myself as Jogi’s partner, as a link between the senior team and the youth teams. I will be in constant contact with Sporting Director with Hansi Flick.

...about his new boss, Joachim Löw: Jogi is one of the best managers in the world. There are lots of things that he pays particular attention to. I can learn lots from him.

...getting involved with the DFB: Working for them had always been in the back of mind.

... his impression of the World Cup winning team: It is great to work alongside them. It is also a huge honour. Everyone is currently on a high.

THOMAS MÜLLER ON...

...the game in Warsaw: Obviously, we are going to go about our business professionally and aim to pick up the three points. Our mindset and mentality will need to be positive. Victory over Poland will not be easy. They have plenty of versatile and dangerous forwards. We know that we will need to defend well.

...being a leader: I don’t think my role has altered that much. I have always said that I want to make positive contributions on the pitch. I don’t think things will change much. On the field I am an emotional guy, I always have something to say.

...Christoph Kramer: He performed very well in the training camp before the World Cup. His effort is second to none. I am not surprised by his development, because in training he has shown just how good a footballer he is.

CHRISTOPH KRAMER ON...

...the upcoming games: Both games are incredibly important. Games against Ireland are difficult, as are away matches in Poland. After such a great World Cup and minimal preparation it is going to be difficult, but that’s not an excuse. It’s important that we win both games so that we can top the group. Poland have one of the world’s best strikers – Robert Lewandowski – and are very well organised and can counter strongly. It’s going to be a difficult away match for us.

…his remarkable fitness and energy levels: I’d like to think I’m naturally blessed, but obviously I know it’s in my bones. It’s worth saying that if you think it hurts and you are tired, your body will slow down. Your mentality comes into it.

…his potential role as a leader: Of course, as a holding midfielder I need to talk a bit. From there I can see things that others perhaps can’t. I shouldn’t be afraid to speak my mind.

…his career path: It’s difficult to explain and implement what you need to have a good year. Things have accelerated quickly, but that’s no bad thing. You never know when things may change. I know that I have a lot to learn still.