Just a few more hours and then it is finally here. Germany against France, the world champions against the hosts in the semi-final of the European Championship (21:00, live on ZDF). The current situation, the latest news, the feeling in the team – assistant manager Marcus Sorg gives a matchday interview at DFB.de.
DFB.de: Mr. Sorg, on Wednesday the team left Évian, their home for the past four weeks. How difficult was it to leave?
Marcus Sorg: It was tough to say goodbye. It was really superb in Évian, the hotel was excellent, everyone looked after us really well and the training facilities were extremely good. We had a good and successful time there but there is no time for being sentimental. We are completely focussed on what lies ahead. We are only looking towards the game this evening, and I am not thinking about anything else at the moment.
DFB.de: Yesterday evening, the team arrived in Marseille. What are your first impressions?
Sorg: Sunny, warm and you can really smell the sea. As we were landing in Marseille, we had a great view of the town and the stadium. The stadium is extraordinary, I like it a lot. I can hardly wait to play the semi-final there this evening.
DFB.de: You are up against the hosts, and the stadium will be firmly in French hands.
Sorg: Not as much as you think. I am sure that our fans will also make themselves heard and counteract the noise from the French, just like they have in every match. I am very much looking forward to the atmosphere, and the anthems. The Marseillaise in Marseille – that will be an incredible experience. Of course, I am mainly looking forward to the match. How much better can it get than playing France in France?
DFB.de: How sure are you that the team won’t get caught up in the occasion and lose focus?
Sorg: Very sure. A lot of our players experienced a similar situation during the semi-final at the Belo Horizonte in Brazil – and they didn’t fold under the pressure then. In fact, the players are looking forward to the atmosphere in the stadium this evening. They are experienced enough, and above all they have confidence in their ability – they know what they are capable of. That keeps us calm and gives us a sense of security.
DFB.de: What are France capable of, and what is the main feature of their game? Their individual ability above all?
Sorg: If we are talking about individual ability, then it has to be said that we are also very strong in this regard, to have beaten the teams that we have. But obviously our opposition today have a lot of top players. Pogba and Griezmann of course, but also Giroud, Payet and Koscielny at the back. Plus many more. They are all players who play a key role for some of Europe’s best clubs, so there is no question: we are up against great quality today.
DFB.de: How would you describe the way that France play?
Sorg: They operate a 4-1-4-1 system very capably, but they don’t stick to this rigidly. They are quite similar to the Italians, but their defence is not at the same level as Italy. However, both teams operate with a very clear style of play, and so it is not difficult to guess what they have planned.
DFB.de: And that is?
Sorg: They try to lure their opponents into a false sense of security. They don’t seem to have a lot of space up top, but these situations can be very dangerous. With France it is often the case that they seem to be passing the ball back and forth without a plan. Then they will make a surprising pass, which will link up to an unexpected run by the striker. That is where the challenge lies for us – to be vigilant for the whole 90 minutes. We can’t lose our focus for a second, because France can create danger from almost any situation. We need to be alert.
DFB.de: How optimistic are you that the team will come through the game against the hosts tonight?
Sorg: I am always optimistic because I know what our players are capable of, just like I know how hard we have worked over the past few days and weeks. Throughout the tournament we have got better and better. We have exceptional footballers in our ranks and we are a very strong team. We can, we want to and we will. I am certain: Die Mannschaft is ready.
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Just a few more hours and then it is finally here. Germany against France, the world champions against the hosts in the semi-final of the European Championship (21:00, live on ZDF). The current situation, the latest news, the feeling in the team – assistant manager Marcus Sorg gives a matchday interview at DFB.de.
DFB.de: Mr. Sorg, on Wednesday the team left Évian, their home for the past four weeks. How difficult was it to leave?
Marcus Sorg: It was tough to say goodbye. It was really superb in Évian, the hotel was excellent, everyone looked after us really well and the training facilities were extremely good. We had a good and successful time there but there is no time for being sentimental. We are completely focussed on what lies ahead. We are only looking towards the game this evening, and I am not thinking about anything else at the moment.
DFB.de: Yesterday evening, the team arrived in Marseille. What are your first impressions?
Sorg: Sunny, warm and you can really smell the sea. As we were landing in Marseille, we had a great view of the town and the stadium. The stadium is extraordinary, I like it a lot. I can hardly wait to play the semi-final there this evening.
DFB.de: You are up against the hosts, and the stadium will be firmly in French hands.
Sorg: Not as much as you think. I am sure that our fans will also make themselves heard and counteract the noise from the French, just like they have in every match. I am very much looking forward to the atmosphere, and the anthems. The Marseillaise in Marseille – that will be an incredible experience. Of course, I am mainly looking forward to the match. How much better can it get than playing France in France?
DFB.de: How sure are you that the team won’t get caught up in the occasion and lose focus?
Sorg: Very sure. A lot of our players experienced a similar situation during the semi-final at the Belo Horizonte in Brazil – and they didn’t fold under the pressure then. In fact, the players are looking forward to the atmosphere in the stadium this evening. They are experienced enough, and above all they have confidence in their ability – they know what they are capable of. That keeps us calm and gives us a sense of security.
DFB.de: What are France capable of, and what is the main feature of their game? Their individual ability above all?
Sorg: If we are talking about individual ability, then it has to be said that we are also very strong in this regard, to have beaten the teams that we have. But obviously our opposition today have a lot of top players. Pogba and Griezmann of course, but also Giroud, Payet and Koscielny at the back. Plus many more. They are all players who play a key role for some of Europe’s best clubs, so there is no question: we are up against great quality today.
DFB.de: How would you describe the way that France play?
Sorg: They operate a 4-1-4-1 system very capably, but they don’t stick to this rigidly. They are quite similar to the Italians, but their defence is not at the same level as Italy. However, both teams operate with a very clear style of play, and so it is not difficult to guess what they have planned.
DFB.de: And that is?
Sorg: They try to lure their opponents into a false sense of security. They don’t seem to have a lot of space up top, but these situations can be very dangerous. With France it is often the case that they seem to be passing the ball back and forth without a plan. Then they will make a surprising pass, which will link up to an unexpected run by the striker. That is where the challenge lies for us – to be vigilant for the whole 90 minutes. We can’t lose our focus for a second, because France can create danger from almost any situation. We need to be alert.
DFB.de: How optimistic are you that the team will come through the game against the hosts tonight?
Sorg: I am always optimistic because I know what our players are capable of, just like I know how hard we have worked over the past few days and weeks. Throughout the tournament we have got better and better. We have exceptional footballers in our ranks and we are a very strong team. We can, we want to and we will. I am certain: Die Mannschaft is ready.
