After the Germany U21s secured their spot in the European Championship semi-finals, as well as qualification to the 2016 Olympics in Rio, captain Kevin Volland was available to answer journalists’ questions. DFB.de have compiled the most important quotes.
KEVIN VOLLAND ON....
... the atmosphere in the team: The atmosphere is really good. It was a difficult match, the group stage was not easy. After the game we were relieved because it was pretty tight at the end. We are happy that we have now qualified for the Olympics. We have already celebrated a bit with some songs on the team bus.
... the team’s inconsistency: The fact is that the first game was difficult, we didn’t know where we stood in the group. Obviously we need to raise the tempo and up our game more in the semi-finals. It’s important to ensure we play for the whole 90 minutes. We had chances to wrap things up against the Czech Republic; we need to be more clinical in front of goal in the semi-finals.
... taking chances: We all have Bundesliga experience. We need to realise the need to make every chance count. You won’t get many chances in such a tight game so you need to fully alert on the pitch.
... his role as captain in certain situations: Horst Hrubesch has enormous trust in us all. As the captain you need to lead and I try to emphasise the key points. I think at times that’s very important, but sometimes the whole team needs to take responsibility.
... his Olympic chances: I’m not thinking that far yet, I am in the middle of another tournament. We’ve hopefully got two games still left to play. The Olympics is still a year away, a lot can still happen.
... the situation after Czech Republic equalised: At 1-1 we were in a dangerous situation, I was very aware of that, but we did well in the circumstance. It’s very difficult in that situation, so I think it’s good that we managed to get over the line.
...The EUROs or Olympics: The European Championship with the national team is very special. It will be a childhood dream come true to win it. But obviously nobody is going to gift it to us. Then there is an entire Bundesliga season to look forward to. The Olympics is also a wonderful occasion. I don’t know many people who can say they have competed at the Olympics.
After the Germany U21s secured their spot in the European Championship semi-finals, as well as qualification to the 2016 Olympics in Rio, captain Kevin Volland was available to answer journalists’ questions. DFB.de have compiled the most important quotes.
KEVIN VOLLAND ON....
... the atmosphere in the team: The atmosphere is really good. It was a difficult match, the group stage was not easy. After the game we were relieved because it was pretty tight at the end. We are happy that we have now qualified for the Olympics. We have already celebrated a bit with some songs on the team bus.
... the team’s inconsistency: The fact is that the first game was difficult, we didn’t know where we stood in the group. Obviously we need to raise the tempo and up our game more in the semi-finals. It’s important to ensure we play for the whole 90 minutes. We had chances to wrap things up against the Czech Republic; we need to be more clinical in front of goal in the semi-finals.
... taking chances: We all have Bundesliga experience. We need to realise the need to make every chance count. You won’t get many chances in such a tight game so you need to fully alert on the pitch.
... his role as captain in certain situations: Horst Hrubesch has enormous trust in us all. As the captain you need to lead and I try to emphasise the key points. I think at times that’s very important, but sometimes the whole team needs to take responsibility.
... his Olympic chances: I’m not thinking that far yet, I am in the middle of another tournament. We’ve hopefully got two games still left to play. The Olympics is still a year away, a lot can still happen.
... the situation after Czech Republic equalised: At 1-1 we were in a dangerous situation, I was very aware of that, but we did well in the circumstance. It’s very difficult in that situation, so I think it’s good that we managed to get over the line.
...The EUROs or Olympics: The European Championship with the national team is very special. It will be a childhood dream come true to win it. But obviously nobody is going to gift it to us. Then there is an entire Bundesliga season to look forward to. The Olympics is also a wonderful occasion. I don’t know many people who can say they have competed at the Olympics.
... their ideal opponent for the semi-finals: The tournament is very equal so it doesn’t bother us who we play against. We can beat anyone, but we definitely need to up our game if we want to make it to the final.
