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Timo Werner: "Motivated for the tournament"

Preparation for the European Championship opener against Spain on Tuesday in Larissa (20:45 CEST) is well under way. Ahead of the first encounter, VfB Stuttgart’s Timo Werner spoke to DFB.de.

DFB.de: Timo Werner, how are you?

Timo Werner: At the moment a bit tired – training is exhausting! Apart from that I feel good. We’re working hard and looking forward to the tournament. I’m enjoying being around the team.

DFB.de: You’ve already played 50 Bundesliga games and are the youngest scorer at your club as well as the youngest brace scorer in Bundesliga history. What are your aims ahead of this tournament?

Werner: European Championships are special. I remember the qualification games for the U17 edition a few years ago. We needed to draw with Ukraine and did everything but hit the back of the net. They then went in front with minutes to play and we were therefore out. It was a brutal experience but gives me added motivation for this summer.

DFB.de: What does the tournament mean to you?

Werner: It’s good to play the best teams and it’s also a great experience for personal development. The way that Davie Selke, Marc Stendera, Levin Öztunali, Julian Brandt and Joshua Kimmich have progressed recently backs that up. They took their good form from the tournament into the season and did well.

DFB.de: Is this also somewhat of a new start for you after a tricky season?



Preparation for the European Championship opener against Spain on Tuesday in Larissa (20:45 CEST) is well under way. Ahead of the first encounter, VfB Stuttgart’s Timo Werner spoke to DFB.de.

DFB.de: Timo Werner, how are you?

Timo Werner: At the moment a bit tired – training is exhausting! Apart from that I feel good. We’re working hard and looking forward to the tournament. I’m enjoying being around the team.

DFB.de: You’ve already played 50 Bundesliga games and are the youngest scorer at your club as well as the youngest brace scorer in Bundesliga history. What are your aims ahead of this tournament?

Werner: European Championships are special. I remember the qualification games for the U17 edition a few years ago. We needed to draw with Ukraine and did everything but hit the back of the net. They then went in front with minutes to play and we were therefore out. It was a brutal experience but gives me added motivation for this summer.

DFB.de: What does the tournament mean to you?

Werner: It’s good to play the best teams and it’s also a great experience for personal development. The way that Davie Selke, Marc Stendera, Levin Öztunali, Julian Brandt and Joshua Kimmich have progressed recently backs that up. They took their good form from the tournament into the season and did well.

DFB.de: Is this also somewhat of a new start for you after a tricky season?

Werner: Definitely. Last season was anything but easy. It was a high pressure situation for a young player like myself. I’m delighted that we maintained our Bundesliga status. I’ve been at the club for years and am now looking forward to life under Alexander Zorniger. However, my thoughts are firmly on the European Championship at the moment.

DFB.de: What are your thoughts on the conditions at the minute?

Werner: Definitely. The temperatures are hot, but we’re used to that in Germany too (Laughs). The pitches are looking good, the hotel is great and the people are friendly.