Leonie Maier is a true team player. “I was extremely happy when I came on and gave everything to help the team,” said the 24 year old about her 18-minute appearance in Germany’s first group game of the European Championships in the Netherlands. In this interview with DFB.de, the defender speaks about the draw against Sweden, her programme the day after the match and the next opponents Italy.
DFB.de: Leonie Maier, now that a little time has past, what’s your evaluation of the 0-0 draw with Sweden?
Leonie Maier: The opening games of any tournament are always hard, but overall we played a decent game and can be satisfied. We have room to grow and improve.
DFB.de: In what way?
Maier: In the first half you could see we were nervous. We weren’t connecting with some of our passes and didn’t get into our game. It’s therefore even more positive that we improved in the second half, combined well and created a lot of goal-scoring chances. Unfortunately, we weren’t clinical enough.
DFB.de: What were you thinking as you were subbed on in the 73rd minute?
Maier: First of all, I was obviously very happy to come on and show what I can do. From the sidelines you can’t do much except root for the team. Therefore, after coming on I tried even more to help to team - on the one hand to score a goal, but also to not concede.
DFB.de: What kind of an impression did you get from the Swedes?
Maier: For me, the Swedes are always amongst the favourites. They’ve been at the top of the international game for years – they showed that last year being in the final of the Olympics. Games against Sweden have always been close, intense and physical. On Monday, they showed yet again that they have a strong team. It was a balanced match.
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Leonie Maier is a true team player. “I was extremely happy when I came on and gave everything to help the team,” said the 24 year old about her 18-minute appearance in Germany’s first group game of the European Championships in the Netherlands. In this interview with DFB.de, the defender speaks about the draw against Sweden, her programme the day after the match and the next opponents Italy.
DFB.de: Leonie Maier, now that a little time has past, what’s your evaluation of the 0-0 draw with Sweden?
Leonie Maier: The opening games of any tournament are always hard, but overall we played a decent game and can be satisfied. We have room to grow and improve.
DFB.de: In what way?
Maier: In the first half you could see we were nervous. We weren’t connecting with some of our passes and didn’t get into our game. It’s therefore even more positive that we improved in the second half, combined well and created a lot of goal-scoring chances. Unfortunately, we weren’t clinical enough.
DFB.de: What were you thinking as you were subbed on in the 73rd minute?
Maier: First of all, I was obviously very happy to come on and show what I can do. From the sidelines you can’t do much except root for the team. Therefore, after coming on I tried even more to help to team - on the one hand to score a goal, but also to not concede.
DFB.de: What kind of an impression did you get from the Swedes?
Maier: For me, the Swedes are always amongst the favourites. They’ve been at the top of the international game for years – they showed that last year being in the final of the Olympics. Games against Sweden have always been close, intense and physical. On Monday, they showed yet again that they have a strong team. It was a balanced match.
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DFB.de: From the intensity of the match, it seemed like a knockout round fixture, not the opener…
Maier: Games between Germany and Sweden are always hard-fought. We’ve faced Sweden in almost every tournament in recent years, it’s almost becoming a Clásico (laughs). The Swedes are always very motivated to play us and it's no different for us. It’s fun when it gets down to the nitty-gritty.
DFB.de: What did you do the day after the game?
Maier: In the morning, there was an intense training session for anyone that didn't play or only played a little. In the afternoon, I did some exercises in the gym by choice, then enjoyed the sun in our team camp and did some university work.
DFB.de: What do you study?
Maier: I do a distance course in fitness and health management at the IST in Düsseldorf. At the moment, I have to write an essay on managing one’s health.
DFB.de: What kind of game do you expect in Tilburg against Italy?
Maier: Every team is motivated when they play against Germany. They have robust players in their ranks. It’ll be a tough game and I think they’ll sit very deep and play on the counter. I can still remember the 2013 Euros in Sweden when we played against Italy and narrowly won 1-0. They’ll demand a lot from us and try to not concede for as long as possible.
DFB.de: What will be important for the German team?
Maier: We have to work on our attack. In the second half against Sweden we often combined well going forwards and made a lot of chances. If we do the same, as well as look for the shot a little earlier and be brave in front of goal, I’m very optimistic.
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