The German national team have made the perfect start to qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia with three wins out of three. Joachim Löw’s side are likely to continue that 100% record today as they take on San Marino in Serravalle.
Germany assistant coach Marcus Sorg speaks in an interview about his new colleague Miroslav Klose and the tactics that the team are preparing for their fourth qualifier of the campaign.
DFB.de: Marcus Sorg, Germany’s record goalscorer and world champion Miroslav Klose has returned to the side in a coaching capacity. Does he bring a fresh and current perspective to the coaching staff?
Marcus Sorg: We are very lucky to have Miro on our team. When players who have the experience he does and have had such a remarkable career are keen to get involved with coaching, it’s a massive benefit to German football. Miro himself will get first-hand experience from a coach’s perspective in the two matches we have during this international break and with that will start his education in coaching. We particularly want him to keep an eye out on the strikers because of his experience as a player.
DFB.de: The players have a special initiation for newcomers to the team. Does that also apply to Jogi Löw’s coaching team?
Sorg: It is well-known that debutants must sing a song, regardless of whether they are a player, coach or part of the backroom staff. I also had to do it when I first came in. I had thought that I would get away with not doing it but they got me just before the start of our preparation for the Euros in Ascona. I sang “Atemlos durch die Nacht,” by Helene Fischer. I’m quite excited for Miro to have his turn.
DFB.de: Is growing the size of the coaching team and conducting position-specific training the new trend in modern football?
Sorg: Coaching and the work with the team is becoming increasingly sophisticated whereby it is much more focused around every individual, their specific abilities and needs. It is therefore quite normal that the number of coaches has increased a little compared with previous years and may still increase more. The national team has special requirements since we really have to make the most of every moment we have with the national team. For me that also means adapting as a coach. Every training session is a lot more intense here than with their clubs.
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The German national team have made the perfect start to qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia with three wins out of three. Joachim Löw’s side are likely to continue that 100% record today as they take on San Marino in Serravalle.
Germany assistant coach Marcus Sorg speaks in an interview about his new colleague Miroslav Klose and the tactics that the team are preparing for their fourth qualifier of the campaign.
DFB.de: Marcus Sorg, Germany’s record goalscorer and world champion Miroslav Klose has returned to the side in a coaching capacity. Does he bring a fresh and current perspective to the coaching staff?
Marcus Sorg: We are very lucky to have Miro on our team. When players who have the experience he does and have had such a remarkable career are keen to get involved with coaching, it’s a massive benefit to German football. Miro himself will get first-hand experience from a coach’s perspective in the two matches we have during this international break and with that will start his education in coaching. We particularly want him to keep an eye out on the strikers because of his experience as a player.
DFB.de: The players have a special initiation for newcomers to the team. Does that also apply to Jogi Löw’s coaching team?
Sorg: It is well-known that debutants must sing a song, regardless of whether they are a player, coach or part of the backroom staff. I also had to do it when I first came in. I had thought that I would get away with not doing it but they got me just before the start of our preparation for the Euros in Ascona. I sang “Atemlos durch die Nacht,” by Helene Fischer. I’m quite excited for Miro to have his turn.
DFB.de: Is growing the size of the coaching team and conducting position-specific training the new trend in modern football?
Sorg: Coaching and the work with the team is becoming increasingly sophisticated whereby it is much more focused around every individual, their specific abilities and needs. It is therefore quite normal that the number of coaches has increased a little compared with previous years and may still increase more. The national team has special requirements since we really have to make the most of every moment we have with the national team. For me that also means adapting as a coach. Every training session is a lot more intense here than with their clubs.
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DFB.de: What are you expecting from the World Cup Qualifier against San Marino this evening?
Sorg: I’m expecting the team to try and put in a very good performance. We want to keep progressing as a team and moving forward with the way we play. That has to be our aim this evening. A few regulars players are missing from the side and so a few new players will get a chance, so I’m expecting some good performances. I’m looking forward to the game.
DFB.de: In Mesut Özil and Toni Kroos, you have to find tow replacements for key players in the side. How much will you miss the pair this evening?
Sorg: Their absence gives other players a chance to stand up and be counted. The responsibility among the players will have to be shared, which will be interesting to see in a game like tonight.
DFB.de: How much have you analysed San Marino ahead of the game?
Sorg: We’ve done our homework, of course. Both Azerbaijan and Norway made life difficult for us at times. It’s fairly common knowledge that San Marino lie in 201stplace in the FIFA world rankings, but regardless of you play against, anyone can defend well. They also play with a lot of passion. If you can’t take control of the game then you will find it difficult.
DFB.de: Would you be able to explain what tactical goals you have set yourself for the game tonight?
Sorg: Ultimately we want to cause the opposition trouble with the way we use space. The opposition then have a decision to make and hopefully that’s when the mistakes come in. We will have to put the ball in dangerous areas and force the San Marino defence to react. That will demand a lot of us. We have to use the space well and our passing will have to be very accurate and precise. If the pass isn’t good and we don’t move the ball quickly enough, then it will be easy for the opponent.
DFB.de: What impressions have players like Serge Gnabry, Benjamin Henrich and Yannik Gerhardt made on you?
Sorg: All three have integrated well into the squad. We know all of them very well from the junior national team sides. They have put in good performances for those teams, as well as for their club and have subsequently been recommended for the full national team. Their desire is definitely there.
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DFB.de: Against teams like Italy or Brazil, you don’t have to worry about the players’ motivation. Does the same go for tonight’s game against San Marino?
Sorg: We always want to improve and develop. I am firmly convinced that team are highly motivated for tonight’s game.
DFB.de: Will there be a repeat of the 13-0 win over San Marino in Joachim Löw’s first away game in charge?
Sorg: I’m no fortune teller, sorry.
DFB.de: San Marino have the same goalkeeper that played against Germany on the 6th September 2006.
Sorg: He is now experienced then. You can see that their standards have increased since then.
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