...his dream of making the final squad: you already think about what it would be like to be there. I’ve experienced so much this season but being here is undoubtedly the highlight. I’m enjoying every minute in training and am trying to learn from the others as well as showcasing my talent.
...his aspirations to become a professional footballer: I’ve always wanted to become a professional footballer and have worked hard to fulfil this. I’ve matured as a result of the situation at 1860 München. You know how the industry operates and can draw upon the positives.
Germany have been preparing for EURO 2016 in France at their training camp in Ascona since Tuesday. The World Champions face the U20s on Thursday evening (17:30 CEST) before a friendly against Slovakia on Sunday (17:45 CEST). Assistant manager Thomas Schneider, newcomers Joshua Kimmich and Julian Weigl and U20s manager Frank Wormuth took part in a press conference. DFB.de has compiled the most important statements.
Thomas Schneider on...
...Sami Khedira and Mario Götze’s fitness: Sami has trained again and can play today. Mario will also play a half. It is still too early to decide whether they can both feature against Slovakia.
...the fitness of other players: Bastian Schweinsteiger has completed two difficult sessions. However, we have to take things day by day in deciding whether he can reintegrate into team training. But I would say that’s looking positive. The situation involving Marco Reus looks good too but it’s too soon to comment on Mats Hummels. For Marco, it’s possible to say when he can return. We have taken Mesut Özil and Thomas Müller out of training so they can refresh mentally.
...training sessions: We had intense sessions based on speed and game form. We didn’t do as much this morning because of the game this evening. We will train in two groups tomorrow. Those players who don’t feature as much this evening will take part in a harder training session. Then we’re already up to the final training session before the Slovakia friendly.
...the training match against the U20s: We’ll play four 20-minute periods this evening. There are lots of game situations that we are looking to simulate. It could be the case that we halt the game and replay a scene if we are not satisfied with the outcome.
Frank Wormuth on...
...preparing for the friendly against the national team: We have had two training sessions. We have some instructions for game situations that we’ve tried to implement in training.
...the role of the U20s: We have a task as their training partner and opponent in the friendly. Football consists of four game situations. When you win the ball, you have to decide whether to launch a counterattack or adopt a different style of build-up play? If you lose the ball, do you sit back or press the opposition high up the pitch? We are going to try and simulate these situations.
...his former protégés Julian Weigl and Julian Brandt: I have confidence in both of them. Julian Brandt and Julian Weigl are both very good. It’s up to Joachim Löw to decide whether they’ve done enough to make the final EURO 2016 squad.
Joshua Kimmich on...
...being welcomed into the set-up: We’ve been made to feel very welcome. It’s a great feeling to be here. We’ve played for the youth teams but the national side has always been the dream – now we’re here! Half of the players you already know from club football and the other half you get to know very quickly. Even if we’re not all training together, you still cross paths.
...his chances of making the final squad: When you make it into the preliminary squad, you also want to be included in the final selection. It’s great to be able to compete with the best here.
...his flexibility: It is generally an advantage when you’re a versatile player. I have already played in central defence, right back, left back and defensive midfield. A lot happens during the course of a tournament and there are sometimes lots of injuries. I haven’t spoken to Mr Löw about my preferred position though.
Julian Weigl on...
...competition with Kimmich: we have been playing in the same position. It’s a great chance for both of us to showcase ourselves. You can really soak up the atmosphere.
...his dream of making the final squad: you already think about what it would be like to be there. I’ve experienced so much this season but being here is undoubtedly the highlight. I’m enjoying every minute in training and am trying to learn from the others as well as showcasing my talent.
...his aspirations to become a professional footballer: I’ve always wanted to become a professional footballer and have worked hard to fulfil this. I’ve matured as a result of the situation at 1860 München. You know how the industry operates and can draw upon the positives.
