Löw: "Poland and Scotland will not be walkovers"

The World Champions have arrived on day one in Frankfurt and the World Manager of the Year has given his thoughts on the transfer market, Mesut Özil and on the upcoming opponents in Germany’s EURO qualifiers. Here’s the full interview with Joachim Löw.

Question: Mr Löw, the big week begins. How difficult will it be? What are you expecting from the matches against Poland and Scotland?

Joachim Löw: It’s pretty clear that there will be no walkovers. Poland and Scotland are both hoping the qualify for next summer’s EUROs in France, justifiably so. After a below par year we are in a little bit of a tricky spot. We are determined to win both games, but we need to invest a lot against both teams. We are confident though and we have the quality to beat both sides.

Question: Which will be the more difficult opponent?

Löw: Both teams play different styles of football. We know that the atmosphere in Scotland will be really lively. The Scots have a special way of playing. Poland, meanwhile, are top of the group, they are high on confidence and there is a good feeling in the team. The counter a lot, similar to Portugal for example. They are always at their most dangerous when their opponent loses the ball, as they have three or four incredible attackers. We are prepared for both teams.

Question: The transfer window closes today, with one of your players involved. What are your thoughts on Julian Draxler’s switch to Wolfsburg?

Löw: I was made aware of the situation by Julian. It could be a very positive for him to take on a new challenge. Wolfsburg are a club with high ambitions, that suits Julian.

Question: The transfer market has become very dynamic recently, with a lot of money flying around the game.



The World Champions have arrived on day one in Frankfurt and the World Manager of the Year has given his thoughts on the transfer market, Mesut Özil and on the upcoming opponents in Germany’s EURO qualifiers. Here’s the full interview with Joachim Löw.

Question: Mr Löw, the big week begins. How difficult will it be? What are you expecting from the matches against Poland and Scotland?

Joachim Löw: It’s pretty clear that there will be no walkovers. Poland and Scotland are both hoping the qualify for next summer’s EUROs in France, justifiably so. After a below par year we are in a little bit of a tricky spot. We are determined to win both games, but we need to invest a lot against both teams. We are confident though and we have the quality to beat both sides.

Question: Which will be the more difficult opponent?

Löw: Both teams play different styles of football. We know that the atmosphere in Scotland will be really lively. The Scots have a special way of playing. Poland, meanwhile, are top of the group, they are high on confidence and there is a good feeling in the team. The counter a lot, similar to Portugal for example. They are always at their most dangerous when their opponent loses the ball, as they have three or four incredible attackers. We are prepared for both teams.

Question: The transfer window closes today, with one of your players involved. What are your thoughts on Julian Draxler’s switch to Wolfsburg?

Löw: I was made aware of the situation by Julian. It could be a very positive for him to take on a new challenge. Wolfsburg are a club with high ambitions, that suits Julian.

Question: The transfer market has become very dynamic recently, with a lot of money flying around the game.

Löw: Sometimes it’s quite alarming to see some of the figures that are paid. Ultimately you just have to accept it, that’s the way the market is now. But it’s still staggering to see.

Question: Mesut Özil will meet up with the team despite having a slight knock. Can you reveal any more information on the matter?

Löw: Mesut needs to get here first. Then he will be examined by our doctors, we need to get a clearer picture first. Then we we will see what we can do. There’s still plenty of time before Friday.

Question: You have also been troubled by the recent issues of violence against refugees. With that in mind, will there be any DFB campaigns in the coming weeks?

Löw: We are obviously prepared to take on any responsibility we can on the pitch. That’s something we will discuss within the DFB. The team and the DFB will definitely be making a statement of sorts in the coming days. We have come up with an idea, it’s something we will discuss over the next few days. Overall, I believe each and everyone of us can do there to offer our help and support.