LUKAS PODOLSKI ON...
... the day in Berlin: It was a special day for us. Although it was the third time I have received the award it’s always an honour to meet the President and the Chancellor. “Die Mannschaft” is a great film.
... the games against Gibraltar and Spain: We need to pick up three points on Friday. I am looking forward to both games. Two victories would be a perfect end to a fantastic year.
... his situation at Arsenal FC: Obviously I don’t enjoy it when I’m not playing. I want to play football. We’ll wait and see what happens in summer. I’ll talk to the club, but it doesn’t worry me.
... Jonas Hector: He totally deserved his call-up to the squad. I know him from my time with 1. FC Köln. He’s a good lad.
... his aims: Winning the World Cup is obviously my highlight with the national team. The next aim is to win the European Championship. We will do all we can to win the trophy. It’s our biggest aim.
OLIVER BIERHOFF ON...
... the day in Berlin: It was a great day and the President’s speech was perfect. It was nice to bring the World Cup winning squad together once again and to relive the Championship once again at the premiere.
After receiving the Silver Laurel Leaf from President Gauck and Chancellor Merkel yesterday as well as attending the premiere of “Die Mannschaft,” attention turned to the upcoming games today. Germany face Gibraltar in Nuremberg on Friday in a European Championship qualifier (20:45 CET) ahead of a friendly away to Spain on Tuesday, 18th November in Vigo. At today’s press conference Jerome Boateng, Lukas Podolski and Oliver Bierhoff spoke about the week’s events.
JEROME BOATENG ON...
... the day in Berlin: It was an exciting and fantastic day for everyone. It’s a huge honour to be awarded the Silver Laurel Leaf. Seeing the film brought back good memories and I hope the fans enjoy reliving the success once again.
... the upcoming games: It’s important that we end the year on a high against Gibraltar, so we will need to concentrate. We give respect to every team we face. The Spain match will be a fantastic occasion and a top match – the former World Champions are facing the current ones and we want to show our credentials.
... winning the World Cup: The World Cup has boosted the players. I feel great and want to improve as a player and win more trophies with Germany and FC Bayern. I look forward to every training session and match.
... development of Toni Kroos at Real Madrid: Toni is almost the perfect footballer. He sets the tempo and can play great diagonal passes. He has developed recently and has fully earned his move to Real Madrid; one of the biggest clubs in the world.
... defending: We need to work together as a team offensively and defensively. It’s our aim to work as a unit as it makes things much easier.
... Bastian Schweinsteiger’s recovery: His morale is increasing; the day in Berlin did him the world of good. He is making good progress and is focussed on regaining full fitness and getting back on the pitch once again.
LUKAS PODOLSKI ON...
... the day in Berlin: It was a special day for us. Although it was the third time I have received the award it’s always an honour to meet the President and the Chancellor. “Die Mannschaft” is a great film.
... the games against Gibraltar and Spain: We need to pick up three points on Friday. I am looking forward to both games. Two victories would be a perfect end to a fantastic year.
... his situation at Arsenal FC: Obviously I don’t enjoy it when I’m not playing. I want to play football. We’ll wait and see what happens in summer. I’ll talk to the club, but it doesn’t worry me.
... Jonas Hector: He totally deserved his call-up to the squad. I know him from my time with 1. FC Köln. He’s a good lad.
... his aims: Winning the World Cup is obviously my highlight with the national team. The next aim is to win the European Championship. We will do all we can to win the trophy. It’s our biggest aim.
OLIVER BIERHOFF ON...
... the day in Berlin: It was a great day and the President’s speech was perfect. It was nice to bring the World Cup winning squad together once again and to relive the Championship once again at the premiere.
... the final two games of the year: Picking up three points against Gibraltar would be perfect. It would be nice to beat Spain as that what would make for a perfect end to the year.
... Marco Reus’ injury: It’s disappointing to love a player of his quality but we have enough quality in the squad to replace him. He’s still a young player and has plenty of chances to play for the team.
... the development of Jerome Boateng: He is playing consistently well and has made great strides over the past few years. He’s an important part of the team.
