Following the 8-0 triumph in San Marino, Germany coach Joachim Löw talked about the game, their upcoming visit in Rome and the next encounter with Italy in Milan.
Question: How satisfied are you with the perfect record of four wins from four games in Germany’s qualification campaign so far?
Joachim Löw: This opponent obviously wasn’t the benchmark we have set for ourselves and you shouldn’t overrate the result. But our qualifying campaign has been going smoothly so far. We’ve recorded four wins and kept four clean sheets. That was our aspiration and our expectation. We wanted to dominate the group right from the start and we’ve accomplished that so far.
Question: Serge Gnabry got off to a fantastic start in his national team career with three goals in his first game. What has been your impression of him so far?
Löw: He’s already proven in training that he’s a dangerous striker and clinical in front of the goal. Scoring three goals is something special for him and beneficial for his development and his self confidence. It was a good start to his national team career and the same applies to Benjamin Henrichs.
Question: The victory in San Marino was your 95th win as the DFB-Team coach, taking you one win above Sepp Herberger. What does this record mean to you?
Löw: I’m happy about every win, but these type of statistics aren’t important to me.
Question: Before you face Italy in Milan on Tuesday, you will make a trip to Rome, where you will get to meet the Pope. Are you looking forward to this trip?
Löw: It will be good for us to make a stop in Rome first and not head straight to the hotel in Milan. It’s good for our team spirit. There are many things to see in Rome and I look forward to exploring the city. It’s a great city with lots of history. Getting to meet the Pope is a special occasion for every player and all the rest of us.
Question: On Tuesday you will take on Italy and it will be a chance to beat the Italians for a third time this year.
Löw: Ending the year with a victory against Italy would be ideal. Obviously there will be some changes in the team and I want to see some players in action when they are really demanded to perform. Obviously we are looking to secure a win.