Germany started their Olympic football tournament with a 2-2 draw against Mexico, winner of the gold medal in London four years ago. Horst Hrubesch's men displayed great morale to recover twice in the game and secure a deserved point.
One of the most active players on the pitch was Serge Gnabry. The 21-year-old striker came on after 28 minutes to replace injury captain Leon Goretzka. He supplied the DFB-Team with lots of pace on the wing and scored to make it 1-1.
He spoke with DFB.de about the hard-fought game with Mexico and explains why he wasn't fully satisfied with his performance despite scoring a goal. Furthermore he looks ahead to the second group game with South Korea.
DFB.de: Mr. Gnabry, you came into the game earlier than expected after the injury of Leon Goretzka. What went through your head in that moment?
Serge Gnabry: I've made several appearances for Germany's youth national teams, but taking part at the Olympic Games is something very special. You always prepare yourself mentally to come into the game at any point. Our coach expects us to be highly focussed at all times, both on and off the pitch. When Leon got injured and the coach called my name, I was ready.
DFB.de: Immediately after you were brought on you made an impact on Germany's attacking game. Was that because you were fully focussed?
Gnabry: Of course. Performance in a game is always dependent on how well prepared and focussed you are. The second important aspect is training. I've been working really hard on myself these last few weeks both at my club and in the Olympic squad.
DFB.de: It's paid off it seems…
Gnabry: Thank you, but I'm still not entirely satisfied with my performance. I could've scored two more goals. I want to improve in our next game.
DFB.de: There isn't a lot of time for rest, since you face South Korea in your second group game on Sunday already. How is the preparation for that game going?
Gnabry: Yesterday we spent the entire day regenerating and today we have our final training session ahead of the game. We watched South Korea's game against Fiji and we all saw what they are capable off. We will analyse their game in more detail still, but I can already say that they have a strong team. Our game with Mexico was exhausting, but the longer the game went on the more we improved. I think we've arrived in this tournament and are prepared for our next opponent.
[mmc/fr]
Germany started their Olympic football tournament with a 2-2 draw against Mexico, winner of the gold medal in London four years ago. Horst Hrubesch's men displayed great morale to recover twice in the game and secure a deserved point.
One of the most active players on the pitch was Serge Gnabry. The 21-year-old striker came on after 28 minutes to replace injury captain Leon Goretzka. He supplied the DFB-Team with lots of pace on the wing and scored to make it 1-1.
He spoke with DFB.de about the hard-fought game with Mexico and explains why he wasn't fully satisfied with his performance despite scoring a goal. Furthermore he looks ahead to the second group game with South Korea.
DFB.de: Mr. Gnabry, you came into the game earlier than expected after the injury of Leon Goretzka. What went through your head in that moment?
Serge Gnabry: I've made several appearances for Germany's youth national teams, but taking part at the Olympic Games is something very special. You always prepare yourself mentally to come into the game at any point. Our coach expects us to be highly focussed at all times, both on and off the pitch. When Leon got injured and the coach called my name, I was ready.
DFB.de: Immediately after you were brought on you made an impact on Germany's attacking game. Was that because you were fully focussed?
Gnabry: Of course. Performance in a game is always dependent on how well prepared and focussed you are. The second important aspect is training. I've been working really hard on myself these last few weeks both at my club and in the Olympic squad.
DFB.de: It's paid off it seems…
Gnabry: Thank you, but I'm still not entirely satisfied with my performance. I could've scored two more goals. I want to improve in our next game.
DFB.de: There isn't a lot of time for rest, since you face South Korea in your second group game on Sunday already. How is the preparation for that game going?
Gnabry: Yesterday we spent the entire day regenerating and today we have our final training session ahead of the game. We watched South Korea's game against Fiji and we all saw what they are capable off. We will analyse their game in more detail still, but I can already say that they have a strong team. Our game with Mexico was exhausting, but the longer the game went on the more we improved. I think we've arrived in this tournament and are prepared for our next opponent.
