...on the women’s team: I hope they can experience something similar to what we managed in Brazil. I hope they bring the trophy back to Germany.
Jonas Hector on…
… the match in his home stadium: It’s a great feeling to potentially play for the national team at home. I have made a lot of friends outside of football in Cologne, who can finally make it to an international game.
… Lukas Podolski as a role model: Lukas has been playing in the national team since a young age. I used to watch his matches back then. To have had such a career, he will always be a role model.
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Die Mannschaft will face the USA in a friendly on Wednesday (20:45 CEST). Ahead of the match in Cologne’s Rhein-Energie-Stadion, general manager Oliver Bierhoff, as well as captain Bastian Schweinsteiger, Lukas Podolski and Jonas Hector have been addressing the media. DFB.de have collected all the important quotes.
Oliver Bierhoff on…
... the international schedule: I’m always happy about any match. It’s great to have the team together again so we can prepare for the match against Gibraltar, as well as the upcoming task in autumn. These games always contribute heavily to the development of the team, as well as individual players. I think it’s great that the manager has given some players a rest, as they have played a lot of football recently.
... the reunion Jürgen Klinsmann: It’s always special for us to play against Jürgen Klinsmann. We want to play attractive football, with a great atmosphere, against the Americans. I am personally very excited to see Jürgen.
... Gibraltar: It’s obviously essential that we win the game. We are taking Gibraltar seriously and will be respectful, just as with any other team.
Bastian Schweinsteiger on…
... the match against Gibraltar and the next few games: I think that we have shown in the past that what we are capable of. There are still some tricky games for us in the qualification group. We are obviously favourites against Gibraltar and we need to be disciplined if we want to win.
Lukas Podolski on …
... his relationship to the City of Cologne: Without a doubt the match against the USA is very emotional for me. I’m not in Cologne very often but I still have a special connection to the city.
… the last year: My experiences abroad have taught me a lot. Even if things haven’t gone so well, I have gained a lot of experience.
…his aims in the national team: Obviously it’s my goal to always be a part of the national team. The next main goal is the EUROs in France. Qualification won’t be easy with the away games in Ireland and Scotland still to play.
...on the women’s team: I hope they can experience something similar to what we managed in Brazil. I hope they bring the trophy back to Germany.
Jonas Hector on…
… the match in his home stadium: It’s a great feeling to potentially play for the national team at home. I have made a lot of friends outside of football in Cologne, who can finally make it to an international game.
… Lukas Podolski as a role model: Lukas has been playing in the national team since a young age. I used to watch his matches back then. To have had such a career, he will always be a role model.