Grindel: "We have every chance against Italy"

Reinhard Grindel has been president of the DFB since 15th April now. As chief of the DFB delegation, the 54th year-old accompanied the national team throughout their EURO 2016 campaign in France. In a recent interview, Grindel discusses security at the European Championship, the increased number of participants and the upcoming quarterfinal against Italy on Saturday (21:00 CEST) in Bordeaux.

Question: Mr Grindel, how would you sum up the European Championship so far?

Reinhard Grindel: We’ve made it all the way to the quarterfinals without conceding a goal. The team have come together very well, the atmosphere in the team is fantastic. From that perspective, it’s been very positive.

Question: After such a good performance during the 3-0 win against Slovakia, do you believe they can go all the way?

Grindel: With all respect to our friends from Slovakia, the upcoming takes will be much more difficult. I have always had great optimism. But the team has continually stepped up and have grown into a real team. That makes me confident that we have every chance against Italy.

Question: You are unbeaten against Italy as DFB president…

Grindel: Right you are, but nobody here as thought about it like that! (laughs) I hope that will still be the case after the tournament.

Question: Have you noticed the emergence of any so-called “bogey team” syndrome?

Grindel: Our team isn’t scared of anyone, they are looking forward to the challenge. They are focussed on a very strong team that our manager and coaching staff are analysing meticulously.

Question: Joachim Löw will have unfinished business after the 2-1 semi-final defeat to Italy at EURO 2012…

Grindel: Those who have listened to his public statements recently will know how painful the defeat to Italy was. With that in mind, it would be even sweeter for him if we can get our first competitive win against Italy on Saturday.

Question: Italy are traditionally known for their defensive strengths, however it is Germany going into the match without conceding a goal. How important do you see the defence being against Italy, with world champions Manuel Neuer, Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels at its core?

Grindel: It’s definitely very important that we play well defensively again, because it gives the whole team security. We can 100% rely on Manuel Neuer and the defence. But just as the Italian’s have changed, so has our team. We have the quality in our team to put pressure in attack and score goals.

Question: Increasing the number of participants to 24 teams has led to plenty of discussion. What are your thoughts?

Grindel: We have seen the impact it has had on those teams taking part for the first time. We’ve seen how much enthusiasm for football in these countries. The associations will not want to have this experience and chance taken away from them. And UEFA won’t take it away from them. Some of the complaints about the 24-team format are justified. But it clearly won’t change due to political reasons.

Question: How would you summaries the issue of security?

Grindel: I am very happy that everything has stayed calm for our players in the stadium. I am also delighted that our cooperation with our Germany police delegation and the French security forces has developed to the point that other than the problems before the first group game in Lille, everything outside the stadium has run smoothly as well.

Question: On Tuesday we saw another attack by suicide bombers in Istanbul. Does that highlight the constant threat?

Grindel: It was disgusting and shows that the whole of Europe is under threat of IS terrorism. We have faith that the French authorities are doing all they can to guarantee the safety of all at the EUROs.