The Germany national team have been at the training camp in Ascona since Tuesday preparing for EURO 2016. On Friday morning, Die Mannschaft started the day with a 45 minute bike ride before an hour in the fitness tent. With two days to go until the first of two official friendlies on Sunday (17:45 CEST) against Slowakia, goalkeeping coach Andreas Köpke, Leroy Sané and Julian Brandt took part in the day’s press conference. Here are the most important quotes.
Andreas Köpke on...
... the goalkeeping situation for the Slovakia game: Bernd Leno will definitely play and make his international debut. Manuel Neuer will stay at the hotel with the rest of the not-quite-fit players who will be working on fitness.
... the number two: We’re not going to declare who that is. We will make decisions on a game-by-game basis, as we have done in the past.
... the relationship between Stegen and Leno: I haven’t noticed any problems between them. They get along fine. If we had any doubts, we would have dealt with them before. Everyone wants to play and there is competition for a place in the team. But there is no evidence of any disagreements.
... the friendly against the U20s: The game came a little too early, as we weren’t able to train much. We were able to practice some specific tactics, the result is secondary. The key was to have a good training session.
... personnel: Lukas Podolski will come to Augsburg and then travel to the training camp. What players will stay here will be decided tomorrow. It doesn’t make sense to take all 27 players to Augsburg. Mats Hummels is making progress, but he needs a few more days rest.
... Sané and other youngsters: It’s impressive how confident the young players are. It’s crazy at that age. Leroy has qualities that not many others have. It’s fun to watch the young players, the same goes for everyone.
... potentially playing France: We became world champions after beating France. Obviously there is a rivalry there, but the events in November have brought us closer together. They did a lot for us. But that won’t play a role on the pitch if we meet in the semis. I don’t think the French will want to play against us.
The Germany national team have been at the training camp in Ascona since Tuesday preparing for EURO 2016. On Friday morning, Die Mannschaft started the day with a 45 minute bike ride before an hour in the fitness tent. With two days to go until the first of two official friendlies on Sunday (17:45 CEST) against Slowakia, goalkeeping coach Andreas Köpke, Leroy Sané and Julian Brandt took part in the day’s press conference. Here are the most important quotes.
Andreas Köpke on...
... the goalkeeping situation for the Slovakia game: Bernd Leno will definitely play and make his international debut. Manuel Neuer will stay at the hotel with the rest of the not-quite-fit players who will be working on fitness.
... the number two: We’re not going to declare who that is. We will make decisions on a game-by-game basis, as we have done in the past.
... the relationship between Stegen and Leno: I haven’t noticed any problems between them. They get along fine. If we had any doubts, we would have dealt with them before. Everyone wants to play and there is competition for a place in the team. But there is no evidence of any disagreements.
... the friendly against the U20s: The game came a little too early, as we weren’t able to train much. We were able to practice some specific tactics, the result is secondary. The key was to have a good training session.
... personnel: Lukas Podolski will come to Augsburg and then travel to the training camp. What players will stay here will be decided tomorrow. It doesn’t make sense to take all 27 players to Augsburg. Mats Hummels is making progress, but he needs a few more days rest.
... Sané and other youngsters: It’s impressive how confident the young players are. It’s crazy at that age. Leroy has qualities that not many others have. It’s fun to watch the young players, the same goes for everyone.
... potentially playing France: We became world champions after beating France. Obviously there is a rivalry there, but the events in November have brought us closer together. They did a lot for us. But that won’t play a role on the pitch if we meet in the semis. I don’t think the French will want to play against us.
... friendly opponents Slovakia: Their playing style will help us prepare for the first few games. For those players who still need to prove themselves, it’s a very important game. It’s also an important opportunity for us to try out some tactical changes.
Leroy Sané on...
... his reunion with former U20s teammates: It was a little strange, but I was very happy and enjoyed the match.
... a potential battle for a spot in the squad with Julian Brandt: Of course we are competing with one another. We get on well, on the pitch too. We’re the same age, have the same interests. It’s good that we can help and talk to each other.
... discussions about his future: I’m trying to block it out. I still have a contract with Schalke and am happy there. Everything else is in the background, I haven’t thought about it yet. If I am selected, I won’t make any decisions until after the EUROs.
... EUROs or Olympics: Obviously the European Championship is big for my father, because a large part of my family lives in France. If it happens, I would also be very happy to play in the Olympics.
Julian Brandt on...
... his senior debut: It’s a childhood dream that is coming true. I have been integrated well. It helped that I knew a few players already. I am really enjoying it here.
... his strong second half of the season: I’m not one to dwell on praise. Leroy and I have worked hard this past season and have played well. We have earned the right to be here. It’s the manager’s decision to whether or not I am in the final squad.
... a potential battle for a spot in the squad with Leroy Sané: It’s positive to have some healthy competition in the squad. But we get on really well. There will be no grudge between us.
