Götze: "Everything is going well at the minute"

His goal in the 113th minute of the World Cup Final ensured Mario Götze’s name would live long in the memory of Germany supporters. Rahn, Müller, Brehme, Götze – all have scored the winner for Germany in World Cup Finals. Since the tournament, Götze has been in remarkable form for club and country. In an exclusive interview with DFB.de the 22-year-old spoke about the “new” national team, charity work and relaxations, as well as his future goals.

DFB.de: You’ve been in great form since the World Cup. The press are saying you are in the form of your life. Do you agree with them?

Götze: They certainly could be saying worse things about me (laughs). At the minute I’m feeling good and am fit but it’s more important that we are winning the games. I obviously enjoy contributing to the victories directly and hope it continues this way.

DFB.de: After big tournaments it’s often said that players suffer from some sort of burn-out. You prove that this isn’t necessarily true.

Götze: The year has been long and obviously the World Cup added to it. In the first few games after Brazil it was clear that it had caught up with us a little bit. But personally, I still feel good and am in good form but it will come to a point where my form drops for a few games. Everything is going well at the minute, there are no problems.

DFB.de: How did the tournament success impact your confidence?

Götze: I always look back to the World Cup and it’s unbelievable how time flies. Four weeks after the success we were back on the field playing competitive football. We didn’t have too much time to enjoy it all but we will all remember it. When you win the World Cup, your confidence levels increase hugely.

DFB.de: Why does it do this? You were a good footballer before you scored the winner in the final…

Götze: Winning the trophy confirmed to us that hard work will be rewarded. Everything we invested into the tournament paid off which motivates us hugely ahead of the upcoming challenges.

DFB.de: Football is also a psychological sport. Does this apply to you?

Götze: I’m not sure of the specifics but obviously the mind does play a key role. Your thoughts and attitude help dictate how you act.

DFB.de: How do you relax away from the game in order to recharge your batteries and make sure you’re ready for the next challenge?

Götze: I do a lot of fun things to help me relax. I do yoga for example. It’s the small things which make a big difference. A trip to the sauna, taking a bike ride up the Isar or sunbathing on a roof terrace. I’ve been to Paris, which is a great city. These sort of things help relax me and ensure that I can concentrate fully on my football once again.

DFB.de: Plenty has been written about Mario Götze, especially after the World Cup. Are you happy with how you are portrayed?

Götze: Their opinions on me vary. It’s difficult for journalists because they have to create an opinion on me without actually knowing me. They don’t see me in day-to-day life, but only in private interviews so consequently I don’t think the things they write about me are necessarily objective.

DFB.de: Does it annoy you when people get the wrong impression about you? Do you care about what people think about you?

Götze: The most important thing to me is what my parents and closest friends think about me. They know me better. Although, obviously, I do like that when good things are written about me and when people have a positive opinion about me.

DFB.de: The reception you received during the game against Scotland in Dortmund was incredible. How was that?

Götze: It was a pleasant surprise and it meant a lot to me, especially as it was taking place in Dortmund. It’s great when the supporters react positively to things you do on the pitch.

DFB.de: You are involved in a lot of charity work - "Plan Deutschland", "Nestwärme e.V." and "Weitblick" for example – but it’s relatively unknown. Do you try to shy away from the limelight?

Götze: Yes – I do it to help the people and not for recognition.

DFB.de: The projects you work with are focussed on children, families and education. Why did you pick to get involved with these aspects?

Götze: I wanted to help in areas that I could personally identify with. I’m a family guy and have only recently left school so I know the importance of both areas. However, I’m not the only Germany player involved with charities and projects. FC Bayern also get involved with similar things. Our popularity gives us the opportunity to help others. I am happy to utilise my position to help others.

DFB.de: Since the World Cup things have altered: Philipp Lahm, Per Mertesacker and Miroslav Klose have retired and the former assistant coach, Hansi Flick, is now the sporting director at the DFB. From your perspective, how much has changed?

Götze: It’s difficult to say. The three players and Hansi Flick were important to the team but obviously aren’t here anymore, and in some regards we are a new team and there are new aims for us. We are World Champions and want to stay there. But for now, we are focussing on other tasks.

DFB.de: After winning the World Cup, is it difficult to motivate yourself for the European Championship?

Götze: I don’t think so. We also want to be European Champions; we are aware of how difficult this will be though as there are many good teams in Europe. We want to maintain our position in world football, so I don’t think that motivation will be an issue. It’s a challenge to try and win another title so soon after the first one, illustrated by the fact that no one has ever successfully defended the Champions League.

DFB.de: Many believe that qualification is a foregone conclusion. Do you see it that way?

Götze: Any team we play faces the World Champion – it motivates them, they want to topple us. We’re a scalp, which makes thing more complicated. As World Champions people expect us to win every game; if we win every qualifier from now then it’s more than likely we’ll qualify for the tournament (Laughs).