The final press conference prior to ‘Die Mannschaft’s international match against USA took place this afternoon. DFB head coach Joachim Löw and his predecessor and now USA head coach Jürgen Klinsmann took questions from journalists together. DFB.de gathered the most important snippets.
JOACHIM LÖW ON...
...the significance of the international match against USA: We’re glad we’re playing a testing opponent before the Gibraltar game, as USA have come on really well in past years. We have to get up and running again, something which isn’t too easy as being in June, the fixture isn’t the best for us. We have to deal with the situation and raise our concentration and integrity, and we’ll do just that.
...the opponents: I was impressed by the tempo at which USA played against Netherlands, and their mentality too. The team has made remarkable progress, play on a very high level tactically. They played with an unbelievable dynamic and intensity against Netherlands.
..the starting XI on Wednesday: We had our first training yesterday and a short discussion with the medical department. Everyone is fit but we’ll wait for the final training session this afternoon. I’d like to make use of the substitution quota (for international friendlies). One or two will perhaps play a half each, I’m thinking of Sami Khedira, who hasn’t featured for his club for a long time. We could well give Antonio Rüdiger and Shkodran Mustafi run-outs at centre-back.
...the share Jürgen Klinsmann has had in the development of the national team: The youth performance centre was already in place previously. Jürgen has altered decisive things, which still resonate today. He put a new manager in place, sports psychologists and American fitness trainers. They were drastic changes, which were incredibly important back then. Without those, they wouldn’t have been able to enjoy this kind of success.
...what he thinks of Klinsmann: He’s someone, who knows his way, goes straightforward and has the power to implement this way against every opposition, if he is convinced of it. That’s something which is reflected in the team too.
...the expectations from individual players: You shouldn’t have too high expectations of individual players following a long season. Everyone had time to catch their breath after the World Cup. Emotionally, physically and mentally, it was tough. I’d like to bring in some new blood again next season and will hope to get crucial insights from the U21 EUROs for that. It would do us good, if two or three younger players can make the step up at the start of the season in September.
JÜRGEN KLINSMANN ON...
...the personal significance of the match against the World Champions in his home country: It’s a really special experience, when you’re allowed to come here and receive the chance to play games like this. Football isn’t yet there in the USA compared to the major US sports, but we’re on our way. We want to give ourselves an indicator of where we are and we’ll be looking forward to it a lot. We don’t have all players available, like Jogi.
The final press conference prior to ‘Die Mannschaft’s international match against USA took place this afternoon. DFB head coach Joachim Löw and his predecessor and now USA head coach Jürgen Klinsmann took questions from journalists together. DFB.de gathered the most important snippets.
JOACHIM LÖW ON...
...the significance of the international match against USA: We’re glad we’re playing a testing opponent before the Gibraltar game, as USA have come on really well in past years. We have to get up and running again, something which isn’t too easy as being in June, the fixture isn’t the best for us. We have to deal with the situation and raise our concentration and integrity, and we’ll do just that.
...the opponents: I was impressed by the tempo at which USA played against Netherlands, and their mentality too. The team has made remarkable progress, play on a very high level tactically. They played with an unbelievable dynamic and intensity against Netherlands.
..the starting XI on Wednesday: We had our first training yesterday and a short discussion with the medical department. Everyone is fit but we’ll wait for the final training session this afternoon. I’d like to make use of the substitution quota (for international friendlies). One or two will perhaps play a half each, I’m thinking of Sami Khedira, who hasn’t featured for his club for a long time. We could well give Antonio Rüdiger and Shkodran Mustafi run-outs at centre-back.
...the share Jürgen Klinsmann has had in the development of the national team: The youth performance centre was already in place previously. Jürgen has altered decisive things, which still resonate today. He put a new manager in place, sports psychologists and American fitness trainers. They were drastic changes, which were incredibly important back then. Without those, they wouldn’t have been able to enjoy this kind of success.
...what he thinks of Klinsmann: He’s someone, who knows his way, goes straightforward and has the power to implement this way against every opposition, if he is convinced of it. That’s something which is reflected in the team too.
...the expectations from individual players: You shouldn’t have too high expectations of individual players following a long season. Everyone had time to catch their breath after the World Cup. Emotionally, physically and mentally, it was tough. I’d like to bring in some new blood again next season and will hope to get crucial insights from the U21 EUROs for that. It would do us good, if two or three younger players can make the step up at the start of the season in September.
JÜRGEN KLINSMANN ON...
...the personal significance of the match against the World Champions in his home country: It’s a really special experience, when you’re allowed to come here and receive the chance to play games like this. Football isn’t yet there in the USA compared to the major US sports, but we’re on our way. We want to give ourselves an indicator of where we are and we’ll be looking forward to it a lot. We don’t have all players available, like Jogi.
...Germany’s status after the World Cup: Germany are just the best in the world, it’s only natural and human that they’ll encounter a little bump. The reality is that every country looks to Germany and admires how they’ve developed. Die Mannschaft will now play its role so they can affirm their position. If you want to improve your own sphere, then look at Germany.
...what he makes of Löw: I have a lot of admiration for Jogi. When I started in 2004 and handed him the assistant coach role, we were partners, built up the team together and worked together in the team. I was convinced the project was in the best hands when I departed in 2006. I appreciate his incredible expertise and his calmness.
