Question: Did the nomination give you any extra motivation for the game against Dortmund?
Sané: Of course. But I was already highly motivated ahead of the derby. It was my first one - that alone is huge.
Question: How do you feel following the defeat?
Sané: I am extremely disappointed. We deserved a point that’s for sure. We played well, made it very difficult for Dortmund, but in the end it wasn’t quite enough.
Question: How do you rate your own performance?
Sané: I had to run a lot, everyone had to work hard. Overall, I’m pleased with my general performance.
Question: You celebrated the equaliser in front of the Dortmund fans. Were you not apprehensive that people may throw things at you?
Sané: I was so happy that we had managed to score. I just let my emotions take over in the moment, and just wanted to celebrate the goal. I didn’t even think about the possibility of fans throwing stuff on to the pitch. At the end of the day, everything went well.
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Leroy Sané won’t forget his last few days in a hurry. Joachim Löw nominated the 19-year-old in the first team squad for the first time on Friday. The Schalke star could make his debut against France in Paris (21:00 CET).
On Sunday, he took part in his first Revier derby. It ended 2-3 to Borussia Dortmund, but the striker made a very good impression, and provided the assist for Klaas-Jan Huntelaar’s equalizer. In an interview with DFB, he discusses his call up to Löw’s squad, the emotions following derby defeat and his own performance on Sunday.
Question: How surprised were you when you found out that you had been called up, Mr. Sane?
Leroy Sané: I was of course extremely pleased. The manager told me first, and then later my agent confirmed. Afterwards, Joachim Löw personally rang me. I have fulfilled my dream, as I will be able to run out with the best players in the country. Just the training alone will be amazing.
Question: What did your father (Ex professional Souleymane Sané) say about the nomination?
Sané: He was of course very, very happy. I told him as soon as I found out, and then we spoke on the phone.
Question: What do you hope to gain from the national side?
Sané: I want to make a good impression and gather experience. I would also be very pleased to get a few minutes game time.
Question: Did the nomination give you any extra motivation for the game against Dortmund?
Sané: Of course. But I was already highly motivated ahead of the derby. It was my first one - that alone is huge.
Question: How do you feel following the defeat?
Sané: I am extremely disappointed. We deserved a point that’s for sure. We played well, made it very difficult for Dortmund, but in the end it wasn’t quite enough.
Question: How do you rate your own performance?
Sané: I had to run a lot, everyone had to work hard. Overall, I’m pleased with my general performance.
Question: You celebrated the equaliser in front of the Dortmund fans. Were you not apprehensive that people may throw things at you?
Sané: I was so happy that we had managed to score. I just let my emotions take over in the moment, and just wanted to celebrate the goal. I didn’t even think about the possibility of fans throwing stuff on to the pitch. At the end of the day, everything went well.