Sorg: I really like that and I’m looking forward to it. It’s only natural that the Northern Irish fans are very positive as they have already written history at the European Championship. The fans are just great. However, the same can be said about the Germany fans. The way that they supported us in Lille against Ukraine was absolutely fantastic, equally in the game against Poland in the Stade de France. Loud, peaceful and happy – our fans are quality. What impresses me is how much effort they put in and how dedicated they are to supporting us. Our fans together with the Northern Irish fans will create a fantastic atmosphere this evening.
DFB.de: Not only the fans – Northern Ireland’s team is one of the most positive aspects of the tournament. How do you rate their sporting ability?
Sorg: We obviously know that Northern Ireland performed very well in qualifying. They’ve been successful here in France to date. It’s often said that they live their passion but they don’t just rely on their passion. They traditionally play 4-1-4-1, but this has varied at EURO 2016. They also sometimes use a 5- or 6-man defence. They keep it very tight, are compact and move the ball around well. It’s not easy to carve out many chances against them.
DFB.de: As far as the defence – and the attack?
Sorg: Going forward, they adopt a classic technique – they play lots of long balls and move up. What’s striking is that they try to get as many players as possible forward to create disorder and therefore try to come by chances. So it was …
DFB.de: …in the Ukraine game.
Sorg: Exactly. The goals in this game were carbon copies of their attacking ideas. Both came from long balls. The first resulted from a set piece. They can be dangerous from dead ball situations – 10 of their 16 goals in qualifying were scored in this manner. The second stemmed from the keeper clearing long down field and their players flooding forward to outnumber the opposition. They won the second ball and then capitalised.
DFB.de: But the German team is prepared.
World Champions Germany face Northern Ireland in their last group game at the European Championship on Tuesday evening (18:00 CEST). Assistant manager Marcus Sorg spoke to DFB.de about the current situation, the latest news and the mood in the team.
DFB.de: Mr Sorg, Germany have their last group game on Tuesday evening. How excited are the team? Is there much tension in camp?
Marcus Sorg: Personally, I’ve got a great deal of anticipation and excitement. I am completely positive and have every faith in the team and what we have achieved. Of course, there is a natural tension on game days. But I’m relaxed because I know what the players can do and how good the team is.
DFB.de: How were the team looking in the final training session? What particular areas have been worked on?
Sorg: We haven’t conceded in 180 minutes at EURO 2016 and have only allowed the opposition few chances. We are stable and everyone is fulfilling their defensive duties. We haven’t been as clinical going forward, which has been discussed both externally and internally. We’ve not only worked on this in the final training session though, but previously in Évian. I assume that this will be clear to see this evening.
DFB.de: Would the planning and preparations for the game have changed if England had beaten Slovakia and Germany would certainly have made the round of 16?
Sorg: We don’t think like that. We firmly believe that we’ll win our games and qualify, possibly as group winners. The points tally of the third-place team is irrelevant to us. That is not to sound arrogant but our aim is to win against Northern Ireland.
DFB.de: The Northern Irish fans are one of the most positive things at EURO 2016. It could be very atmospheric and noisy in Parc des Princes this evening.
Sorg: I really like that and I’m looking forward to it. It’s only natural that the Northern Irish fans are very positive as they have already written history at the European Championship. The fans are just great. However, the same can be said about the Germany fans. The way that they supported us in Lille against Ukraine was absolutely fantastic, equally in the game against Poland in the Stade de France. Loud, peaceful and happy – our fans are quality. What impresses me is how much effort they put in and how dedicated they are to supporting us. Our fans together with the Northern Irish fans will create a fantastic atmosphere this evening.
DFB.de: Not only the fans – Northern Ireland’s team is one of the most positive aspects of the tournament. How do you rate their sporting ability?
Sorg: We obviously know that Northern Ireland performed very well in qualifying. They’ve been successful here in France to date. It’s often said that they live their passion but they don’t just rely on their passion. They traditionally play 4-1-4-1, but this has varied at EURO 2016. They also sometimes use a 5- or 6-man defence. They keep it very tight, are compact and move the ball around well. It’s not easy to carve out many chances against them.
DFB.de: As far as the defence – and the attack?
Sorg: Going forward, they adopt a classic technique – they play lots of long balls and move up. What’s striking is that they try to get as many players as possible forward to create disorder and therefore try to come by chances. So it was …
DFB.de: …in the Ukraine game.
Sorg: Exactly. The goals in this game were carbon copies of their attacking ideas. Both came from long balls. The first resulted from a set piece. They can be dangerous from dead ball situations – 10 of their 16 goals in qualifying were scored in this manner. The second stemmed from the keeper clearing long down field and their players flooding forward to outnumber the opposition. They won the second ball and then capitalised.
DFB.de: But the German team is prepared.
Sorg: Yes. Our players know these scenarios and they know generally what they have to watch out for tonight. Northern Ireland have a good team, but we are confident. We know that we boast more options and opportunities. If we make the most of these, there can be no doubt who will run out winners this evening.
