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Be it as a player, assistant or head coach, Silvia Neid has played a part in all seven of Germany's UEFA European Women's Championship-winning campaigns. Twenty-four years after scoring her country's first ever goal in the competition, the 49-year-old now faces the exciting challenge of guiding Germany at the UEFA Women's EURO 2013 in Sweden.
In DFB.de's interview of the week, journalist Annette Seitz caught up with the Walldürn native to talk preparations, injury worries and the development of the women's game. Also on the agenda were her verdict on the current squad, her previous experiences and her motto for the final tournament, which runs from July 10 to July 28.
DFB.de: Verena Faißt, Viola Odebrecht, Alexandra Popp, Linda Bresonik and Kim Kulig: that's some list of absentees. Have your preparations ever been hit so hard, Frau Neid?
Silvia Neid: I've experienced a lot in the past, but we've never had so many injured players as during this last year and a half. We've had to improvise because we haven't always had everyone at our disposal. Unfortunately, it's been no different ahead of the EURO.
DFB.de: What do you make of the situation?
Neid: Of course it's not ideal, but we have to get on with things. We have to work with the players we’ve got, work really hard and grow closer as a team, because we really want to win in Sweden. That's still our goal.
DFB.de: After lifting the title in Finland in 2009, in Norway in 1997 and in Denmark in 1991, do you want to complete a quartet of Scandinavian triumphs in Sweden?
Neid: Of course that's what we want, but it's not going to be easy. You have to remember we're a completely different side compared to 2009. Since the World Cup in 2011, we've been going through a regeneration process. We're really pleased with how it's going, but it's an ongoing process.
DFB.de: Germany have taken part in eight European Women's Championships and won seven, including the last five. Is that an incentive for you?
Neid: Just being in a position to win is enough of an incentive for me, because these tournaments are a real highlight. I like the challenge. I enjoy the build-up: the preparation, picking the team and working with the players. I don't like to look back - other tournaments are in the past. There's no point comparing teams with their predecessors. It's about putting together a team that can play at the top, and that's certainly a challenge given the injury situation. We've had to compensate and improvise this past year and a half, starting anew each time.
DFB.de: Is there an added amount of pressure when some say that a Germany win is a formality?
Neid: Whoever thinks that underestimates how much the women's game has developed internationally. I'm not feeling any pressure: just excitement and joy. I love being a part of these tournaments. I love the feeling and the process. For me, every tournament is a new challenge. It's great fun to be part of the team at these tournaments. It's an all-or-nothing occasion. It's about the whole camp giving 100 per cent at exactly the right moment. For me, that's enough motivation.
DFB.de: You mentioned women's football has made progress. Does that mean it was easier to win titles before?
Neid: No, not at all. Every title was hard-earned, and a bit of luck also played its part. It will be the same this year. There are a few countries that are in the right kind of form to win. We're also one of the favourites.
DFB.de: How do you evaluate this progress?
Neid: It's really positive. The sport has to develop. That more it does, the better it is for us. Of course, that makes it more difficult for the favourites to win. But like I said before, that doesn't mean it was easy to win titles before.
DFB.de: That the spectrum encompassing Europe's elite has broadened is no small matter. France are really strong, as are the Scandinavian nations, while England made the final in 2009. How does your team compare?
Neid: We're on a par with the top teams. On a good day, we can beat anyone. Eleven of the 12 teams that have qualified for the finals are in the top 20 of the FIFA World Rankings. That says it all about the level of competition. Of course, we're one of the favourites, as are Sweden or France, who can play to an exceptionally high level. England are strong, Norway could pop up in the final and Italy are uncomfortable opponents against whom, first and foremost, you have to find a way to score. It certainly won't be easy.
DFB.de: Is it difficult to tell players they've missed out on a place in the squad? Or is it just one of those unpleasant tasks you just have to get on with?
Neid: No, it's no ordinary job, but it is part and parcel of it. Of course, it's never easy to tell a player they're not going to be there, but as a coach you're bound to make decisions that don't please everyone. I speak to the players a lot and am always honest and direct. Now and again that might offend, but I think it's the right way to go about things.
DFB.de: Coaches often talk about "having the right blend". What does that mean exactly?
Neid: Personality plays a role, just as much as ability and versatility. Young and experienced players have to come together in unison. We've got a lot of young players in the squad who've really impressed me with their verve and hunger to succeed. Along with the experience that some of the others bring, that makes for a really good blend.
DFB.de: Compared to the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2011, when you had experienced players like Birgit Prinz, Kerstin Garefrekes and Inka Grings, this team is much younger. Is that an advantage, a disadvantage, or both?
Neid: It's good to have a team with prospects that can push on after the EURO. Being carefree is an advantage, but the lack of experience can be a disadvantage.
DFB.de: How does this regeneration process affect your job?
Neid: I really enjoy working with young players because they're so keen to learn and really want to come into the team to do just that. It's so much fun to have players like that on board. There's a good level of competition in the squad because the older players recognise the younger talent. That's positive and the atmosphere is still really good. It's our goal to take the young players as far as they can go, but they also need time to grow.
DFB.de: Your team have only lost once since the last Women's World Cup. How would you describe the progress made since 2011?
Neid: All the players have evolved and matured. Moreover, we've developed tactically as a team. We've grown closer since 2011 and focused purely on the next tournament. We're happy because we have the chance to win something again.
DFB.de: Have you also evolved?
Neid: I think so, yes. Every day and every experience leaves a mark on your character. You always evolve – that's normal. Failures and disappointments are part of one's character development just as much as positive experiences.
DFB.de: This is already your ninth European Women's Championship. What have been your personal highlights?
Neid: Each one was a wonderful experience, above all the title successes. Nothing compares to that. In sport, there's nothing better than going all the way and winning.
DFB.de: Of the seven title wins, is there one that means more to you than the rest?
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Neid: No, they all mean just as much to me, whatever my role in them, because behind each title lies lots of hard work, energy and enthusiasm. That's why I can’t single one out. I really can't.
DFB.de: Is the experience more intense as a player, compared to being in the dugout and not having as direct an influence on games?
Neid: For me, it was equally emotional as a player as it is as a coach. As a player, you can let off steam or grab the decisive goal - that's an indescribable feeling - but I get that too as a coach when I make a change that produces the winning goal or see a set piece that goes exactly to plan. It's a real buzz when something you've devised comes off.
DFB.de: How do you rate first-round opponents the Netherlands, Iceland and Norway?
Neid: In the last few years, the Netherlands have really made progress. They play good football and, above all, are strong in the tackle. Iceland are very good on the back foot, press well and their long-ball game can really cause problems down the middle. Norway are physically strong, unpredictable and uncomfortable opponents.
DFB.de: What do your players have to do to be able to say "that was a good tournament"?
Neid: I always want to see a team that play football with passion and courage, that are confident and that you can see give 100 per cent in each game. Everyone should play to their limit.
DFB.de: Two years ago at the Women's World Cup, your motto was "composure". What is it at EURO 2013?
Neid: The same again: "composure". The more composed I am, the better the decisions I'll be able to make. I can communicate more effectively and get a better feel for my place in the team if I can create an open environment. It’s about everything going well for the team and staff. It's important that everyone looks out for one another. I'd like to keep it that way.
created by dfb
[bild1]
Be it as a player, assistant or head coach, Silvia Neid has played a part in all seven of Germany's UEFA European Women's Championship-winning campaigns. Twenty-four years after scoring her country's first ever goal in the competition, the 49-year-old now faces the exciting challenge of guiding Germany at the UEFA Women's EURO 2013 in Sweden.
In DFB.de's interview of the week, journalist Annette Seitz caught up with the Walldürn native to talk preparations, injury worries and the development of the women's game. Also on the agenda were her verdict on the current squad, her previous experiences and her motto for the final tournament, which runs from July 10 to July 28.
DFB.de: Verena Faißt, Viola Odebrecht, Alexandra Popp, Linda Bresonik and Kim Kulig: that's some list of absentees. Have your preparations ever been hit so hard, Frau Neid?
Silvia Neid: I've experienced a lot in the past, but we've never had so many injured players as during this last year and a half. We've had to improvise because we haven't always had everyone at our disposal. Unfortunately, it's been no different ahead of the EURO.
DFB.de: What do you make of the situation?
Neid: Of course it's not ideal, but we have to get on with things. We have to work with the players we’ve got, work really hard and grow closer as a team, because we really want to win in Sweden. That's still our goal.
DFB.de: After lifting the title in Finland in 2009, in Norway in 1997 and in Denmark in 1991, do you want to complete a quartet of Scandinavian triumphs in Sweden?
Neid: Of course that's what we want, but it's not going to be easy. You have to remember we're a completely different side compared to 2009. Since the World Cup in 2011, we've been going through a regeneration process. We're really pleased with how it's going, but it's an ongoing process.
DFB.de: Germany have taken part in eight European Women's Championships and won seven, including the last five. Is that an incentive for you?
Neid: Just being in a position to win is enough of an incentive for me, because these tournaments are a real highlight. I like the challenge. I enjoy the build-up: the preparation, picking the team and working with the players. I don't like to look back - other tournaments are in the past. There's no point comparing teams with their predecessors. It's about putting together a team that can play at the top, and that's certainly a challenge given the injury situation. We've had to compensate and improvise this past year and a half, starting anew each time.
DFB.de: Is there an added amount of pressure when some say that a Germany win is a formality?
Neid: Whoever thinks that underestimates how much the women's game has developed internationally. I'm not feeling any pressure: just excitement and joy. I love being a part of these tournaments. I love the feeling and the process. For me, every tournament is a new challenge. It's great fun to be part of the team at these tournaments. It's an all-or-nothing occasion. It's about the whole camp giving 100 per cent at exactly the right moment. For me, that's enough motivation.
DFB.de: You mentioned women's football has made progress. Does that mean it was easier to win titles before?
Neid: No, not at all. Every title was hard-earned, and a bit of luck also played its part. It will be the same this year. There are a few countries that are in the right kind of form to win. We're also one of the favourites.
DFB.de: How do you evaluate this progress?
Neid: It's really positive. The sport has to develop. That more it does, the better it is for us. Of course, that makes it more difficult for the favourites to win. But like I said before, that doesn't mean it was easy to win titles before.
DFB.de: That the spectrum encompassing Europe's elite has broadened is no small matter. France are really strong, as are the Scandinavian nations, while England made the final in 2009. How does your team compare?
Neid: We're on a par with the top teams. On a good day, we can beat anyone. Eleven of the 12 teams that have qualified for the finals are in the top 20 of the FIFA World Rankings. That says it all about the level of competition. Of course, we're one of the favourites, as are Sweden or France, who can play to an exceptionally high level. England are strong, Norway could pop up in the final and Italy are uncomfortable opponents against whom, first and foremost, you have to find a way to score. It certainly won't be easy.
DFB.de: Is it difficult to tell players they've missed out on a place in the squad? Or is it just one of those unpleasant tasks you just have to get on with?
Neid: No, it's no ordinary job, but it is part and parcel of it. Of course, it's never easy to tell a player they're not going to be there, but as a coach you're bound to make decisions that don't please everyone. I speak to the players a lot and am always honest and direct. Now and again that might offend, but I think it's the right way to go about things.
DFB.de: Coaches often talk about "having the right blend". What does that mean exactly?
Neid: Personality plays a role, just as much as ability and versatility. Young and experienced players have to come together in unison. We've got a lot of young players in the squad who've really impressed me with their verve and hunger to succeed. Along with the experience that some of the others bring, that makes for a really good blend.
DFB.de: Compared to the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2011, when you had experienced players like Birgit Prinz, Kerstin Garefrekes and Inka Grings, this team is much younger. Is that an advantage, a disadvantage, or both?
Neid: It's good to have a team with prospects that can push on after the EURO. Being carefree is an advantage, but the lack of experience can be a disadvantage.
DFB.de: How does this regeneration process affect your job?
Neid: I really enjoy working with young players because they're so keen to learn and really want to come into the team to do just that. It's so much fun to have players like that on board. There's a good level of competition in the squad because the older players recognise the younger talent. That's positive and the atmosphere is still really good. It's our goal to take the young players as far as they can go, but they also need time to grow.
DFB.de: Your team have only lost once since the last Women's World Cup. How would you describe the progress made since 2011?
Neid: All the players have evolved and matured. Moreover, we've developed tactically as a team. We've grown closer since 2011 and focused purely on the next tournament. We're happy because we have the chance to win something again.
DFB.de: Have you also evolved?
Neid: I think so, yes. Every day and every experience leaves a mark on your character. You always evolve – that's normal. Failures and disappointments are part of one's character development just as much as positive experiences.
DFB.de: This is already your ninth European Women's Championship. What have been your personal highlights?
Neid: Each one was a wonderful experience, above all the title successes. Nothing compares to that. In sport, there's nothing better than going all the way and winning.
DFB.de: Of the seven title wins, is there one that means more to you than the rest?
[bild2]
Neid: No, they all mean just as much to me, whatever my role in them, because behind each title lies lots of hard work, energy and enthusiasm. That's why I can’t single one out. I really can't.
DFB.de: Is the experience more intense as a player, compared to being in the dugout and not having as direct an influence on games?
Neid: For me, it was equally emotional as a player as it is as a coach. As a player, you can let off steam or grab the decisive goal - that's an indescribable feeling - but I get that too as a coach when I make a change that produces the winning goal or see a set piece that goes exactly to plan. It's a real buzz when something you've devised comes off.
DFB.de: How do you rate first-round opponents the Netherlands, Iceland and Norway?
Neid: In the last few years, the Netherlands have really made progress. They play good football and, above all, are strong in the tackle. Iceland are very good on the back foot, press well and their long-ball game can really cause problems down the middle. Norway are physically strong, unpredictable and uncomfortable opponents.
DFB.de: What do your players have to do to be able to say "that was a good tournament"?
Neid: I always want to see a team that play football with passion and courage, that are confident and that you can see give 100 per cent in each game. Everyone should play to their limit.
DFB.de: Two years ago at the Women's World Cup, your motto was "composure". What is it at EURO 2013?
Neid: The same again: "composure". The more composed I am, the better the decisions I'll be able to make. I can communicate more effectively and get a better feel for my place in the team if I can create an open environment. It’s about everything going well for the team and staff. It's important that everyone looks out for one another. I'd like to keep it that way.
