Just two days to go until Germany face Italy in the EURO 2016 quarterfinal on Saturday (21:00 CEST) in Bordeaux. How are the team preparing? What’s the latest news from the camp? DFB.de recorded the most important statements as General Manager Oliver Bierhoff, Toni Kroos and Jérôme Boateng faced the media.
TONI KROOS ON...
... the significance of the game: It’s obviously important to win so we can progress in the tournament. For me, it’s no surprise that Italy are unbeaten. It will be our toughest test so far.
... the long break ahead of the quarterfinal: We had one and a half days free and that was appreciated because we know that we go again on Saturday and perhaps require a bit more energy and power.
... the question of playing with a three- or four-man defence: It’s good that we have several options. It worked well in the friendly against Italy and it’s surely no coincidence that we played like that back then. But it’s the coaching team’s decision.
... the last encounter: I believe that the Italian team will contain lots of the same players on Saturday. Only Chiellini wasn’t present, but otherwise lots of the squad from the friendly are now also at the tournament. I don’t know whether the result (4-1; editor’s note) is significant for the outcome this time. This is a European Championship quarterfinal - that’s a completely different game.
... the opponents Italy: It is well-known how the Italians play - they’re difficult to play against, remain incredible compact, are very clever and have a real calm presence at the back and in playing out from defence. This style of play has been internalised over the generations and German teams have always struggled to play against them. I’m very, very optimistic for Saturday.
... Italy’s round of 16 victory: The game surprised me a bit because I considered Spain the favourites. They’d looked good up until that point in the tournament. The margin of victory and how much Italy deserved to win was also surprising.
Just two days to go until Germany face Italy in the EURO 2016 quarterfinal on Saturday (21:00 CEST) in Bordeaux. How are the team preparing? What’s the latest news from the camp? DFB.de recorded the most important statements as General Manager Oliver Bierhoff, Toni Kroos and Jérôme Boateng faced the media.
TONI KROOS ON...
... the significance of the game: It’s obviously important to win so we can progress in the tournament. For me, it’s no surprise that Italy are unbeaten. It will be our toughest test so far.
... the long break ahead of the quarterfinal: We had one and a half days free and that was appreciated because we know that we go again on Saturday and perhaps require a bit more energy and power.
... the question of playing with a three- or four-man defence: It’s good that we have several options. It worked well in the friendly against Italy and it’s surely no coincidence that we played like that back then. But it’s the coaching team’s decision.
... the last encounter: I believe that the Italian team will contain lots of the same players on Saturday. Only Chiellini wasn’t present, but otherwise lots of the squad from the friendly are now also at the tournament. I don’t know whether the result (4-1; editor’s note) is significant for the outcome this time. This is a European Championship quarterfinal - that’s a completely different game.
... the opponents Italy: It is well-known how the Italians play - they’re difficult to play against, remain incredible compact, are very clever and have a real calm presence at the back and in playing out from defence. This style of play has been internalised over the generations and German teams have always struggled to play against them. I’m very, very optimistic for Saturday.
... Italy’s round of 16 victory: The game surprised me a bit because I considered Spain the favourites. They’d looked good up until that point in the tournament. The margin of victory and how much Italy deserved to win was also surprising.
... his memories of the EURO 2012 semi-final defeat to Italy: We also had a plan back then but it didn’t come to fruition. It wasn’t the tactics but rather individual mistakes which decided the tie.
... his development since 2012: It’s been a normal development at both club and international level. You continue to get more game time and when you deliver a solid performance, you acquire a certain status. The last four years have been outstanding and I’m very satisfied with my development.
OLIVER BIERHOFF ON...
... his golden goal in the EURO 1996 final: I’m reminded of it every four years. I’m somebody who likes to look to the future, rather than living in the past. On the other hand, it’s great when you can win the game for your country with two goals at Wembley. I also have to be thankful because it that hadn’t have happened, I perhaps wouldn’t be here now. I’d be delighted when in four years, other topics and perhaps winning the EURO 2016 title were being discussed. It’s time that we write a new history with this team and these players.
... parallels to EURO 1996: It’s always difficult to compare generations because there are different personalities and types of players. What can be compared though is the fact that everyone is prepared to play their part - however big or small - for the success of the team. At every tournament, there are players who have hoped for more and it’s right that they should be disappointed. But what’s important is how that feeling affects the team? Personally, I don’t think the 1996 squad was as united as the group today. In both teams I can see that the determination to stand as a unit on the pitch and give it your all is there.
... the current situation: All 23 players are fit. Jonas Hector also trained again today. Italy are certainly the most difficult opponents we could have come up against because the team is unbelievably well organised, united and have performed well so far. If you watch the Italian team’s games, everything is second nature. They play in a very disciplined and focused manner. They’re also strong in how they can adapt to how the opposition set up and play. It will be a hard battle but we have confidence in ourselves and have sent out positive signals in the first games. We have respect, but no fear.
... Thomas Müller: I’m not worried about him. He is incredibly positive. He doesn’t only consider his role in the team to be about scoring. He certainly wants to win the tournament, irrespective of how many goals he nets.
... Bastian Schweinsteiger potentially starting: We know that Joachim Löw has lots of options. I think that Basti is ready. He’s physically fit and has worked hard. He’s 100 percent and one of the players who Joachim Löw could select.
... a possible advantage from the friendly against Italy in March: The 4-1 result doesn’t play a role. In 2006, we were pushed to our limits and Italy were a bit better. We were frustrated in 2012 because we were the better team and should have won the game. Back then we conceded because we were careless. We’re starting over again now and nothing else is of interest to us.
... the challenge ahead: We’ve always played against big teams at previous tournaments. That perhaps makes things easier. If you want to be crowned European Champions, you have to defeat the main contenders.
... the Italian picture of German football: Germany is generally very hardly regarded in terms of organisation and discipline. That was also the case during my playing days. The high esteem and assessment still exists even though football has changed over the years. We’ve made further developments in Germany. Italy like free-flowing and stylish football. After the victory against Brazil (2014 World Cup, editor’s note), I noticed that Italy not only appreciated but were excited about what we achieved.
JEROME BOATENG ON...
... the factors for success against Italy: It’s important that we implement our game plan. Italy are known for being very tactically astute and defending well. We want to find solutions but can’t push forward and leave ourselves exposed at the back.
... the long break ahead of the quarterfinal: We have to accept things as they are. It’s probably not damaged our preparations but we’re looking forward to getting back underway. It’s good when you can get into a rhythm.
... his yellow card suspension threat: I’m not going to think about the yellow card - that would achieve nothing. I will go into this game like any other.
... the Bayern vs. Juventus battle: There are a few things that we can pick up on but this is not Bayern, rather the national team - and Italy are not Juve. Therefore, it’s not comparable.
... the Italian forwards Eder and Pellè: I already knew about both of them. I’ll prepare just like every other game; there are definitely videos.
