Goalkeeper Almuth Schult is an integral part of Steffi Jones' team at the European Championship in the Netherlands. The 26-year-old forms the pivot of the team alongside the likes of Babett Peter, Sara Däbritz and Dzsenifer Marozsan. The trust placed in her has been justified in the games against Sweden and Italy, where she has made saves at important moments, particularly late on in the matches. The Wolfsburg player spoke to us about what she thinks about during matches, saves, playing out from the back and the final group match against Russia in Utrecht this evening (20:45 CEST).
DFB.de: Frau Schult, when does the tension start to set in for you before a match?
Almuth Schult: I try not to be tense at all. It's best when everything just runs smoothly. As soon as I get too tense, something goes wrong.
DFB.de: So were you not tense in the build-up to the last two matches at the European Championship?
Schult: Until now everything has been fine and I hope it stays that way. Everyone goes about it differently and I personally don't need to make a tunnel for myself. I prefer to take in the atmosphere, look up to the fans and enjoy the atmosphere if there is one when we're warming up.
DFB.de: How do you view the matches at the European Championship so far?
Schult: The hosts have chosen some good stadia - not too big and not too small. Lots of fans have been able to come over from Germany and it's always nice to have home support. It's difficult for our families to come to the matches because they don't finish until 22:30 so it's hard for them to then get home. But the late kick-off times are great for TV. Lots of people are watching our games on the television.
DFB.de: How would you rate your performances up to now?
Goalkeeper Almuth Schult is an integral part of Steffi Jones' team at the European Championship in the Netherlands. The 26-year-old forms the pivot of the team alongside the likes of Babett Peter, Sara Däbritz and Dzsenifer Marozsan. The trust placed in her has been justified in the games against Sweden and Italy, where she has made saves at important moments, particularly late on in the matches. The Wolfsburg player spoke to us about what she thinks about during matches, saves, playing out from the back and the final group match against Russia in Utrecht this evening (20:45 CEST).
DFB.de: Frau Schult, when does the tension start to set in for you before a match?
Almuth Schult: I try not to be tense at all. It's best when everything just runs smoothly. As soon as I get too tense, something goes wrong.
DFB.de: So were you not tense in the build-up to the last two matches at the European Championship?
Schult: Until now everything has been fine and I hope it stays that way. Everyone goes about it differently and I personally don't need to make a tunnel for myself. I prefer to take in the atmosphere, look up to the fans and enjoy the atmosphere if there is one when we're warming up.
DFB.de: How do you view the matches at the European Championship so far?
Schult: The hosts have chosen some good stadia - not too big and not too small. Lots of fans have been able to come over from Germany and it's always nice to have home support. It's difficult for our families to come to the matches because they don't finish until 22:30 so it's hard for them to then get home. But the late kick-off times are great for TV. Lots of people are watching our games on the television.
DFB.de: How would you rate your performances up to now?
Schult: I think I've been there in the important situations. Obviously, not everything has been perfect, that's clear. I'm not totally happy with a few of my passes. I was also annoyed that, in the Italy game, I dropped a cross. I'm something of a perfectionist and it would be nice if everything came together. I know that not everything can always work and, until now, it's been good enough. I've made my contribution to us gaining points.
DFB.de: In both games you were there to save the day at pivotal moments. Do you go back over such instances after a game?
Schult: There are always scenes running through your head. Some always come back. If I receive a pass from the left which a striker chases then the image from the Brazil game always comes into my head. You never forget moments like that, especially negative moments like that. When you do think about those things, you analyse what you could've done better.
DFB.de: Does it also work the other way? Will you now be more optimistic when a free-kick is played in from the half-way line like in the Italy game?
Schult: It's impossible to imagine how many things can run through your head in a second. With Italy's free-kick which led to the goal, I was thinking as it came in, "Oh no you better hurry this is going to be dangerous." When you say this sentence out loud, it's a lot longer than when you think it. I try not to think about these things too much.
DFB.de: Why
Schult: For me every situation is different. I've had positive and negative experiences in the past. I have to move on from a blunder in the same way I do from a great save. It doesn't matter if I hang on to one ball and then flap at the next one. I approach every situation individually and am, of course, happy when I play well.
DFB.de: What would you like to improve on in your passing game?
Schult: It comes down to feeling comfortable and training. In the analysis I see where the space is and where you need to look. Where is the pass coming from? How much pace will be on it? Is the striker chasing after it? Are my defenders moving away? These are the things that you need to consider on the pitch. Either you're quick enough and find a gap or you take the decision to clear the ball away.
DFB.de: Will you be called into action against Russia or will your teammates keep them out before it reaches you?
Schult: In Jelena Danilowa they have a terrific striker who showed against Italy how dangerous she can be. You always need to be on guard. It doesn't matter who you're playing against, there will always be a shot on goal. Obviously I hope that the defence shuts everything down and that we control the game and take the lead. But we know that Russia are dangerous. Every team will give a little bit extra against the reigning European champions. We will stand firm and hopefully get the win.
