News (engl.)

The Germany national team’s UEFA Nations League semi-final clash with Portugal on Wednesday is fast approaching (kick-off 21:00 CEST). The stadium in Munich where the contest will be fought is no unfamiliar location to either Julian Nagelsmann or Leon Goretzka. Ahead of the match, they both spoke about the significance of the tournament and the strengths that the Portugal national side possess.

Julian Nagelsmann on...

… being down to the final four: We are all pleased to be playing these matches on German soil. The tournament serves like a mini EUROs to round off the season. We are excited to play at home in front of our fans and in a great stadium. Hopefully, we get to play in Munich twice and that would mean we would have done a good job tomorrow night. It is all very important in terms of building confidence ahead of the World Cup next year. We have only lost once in 17 games and our belief is only growing. It is important to demonstrate our ability to beat high-class opponents like the one we face tomorrow.

… tomorrow’s line-up: Nine of the 11 positions have been decided but then the others will be determined by gut feeling. If the players are attentive during training, they can already get a feel for whether they or another player will be featuring from the off.

… positive track record against Portugal: Past statistics will not be of assistance to us tomorrow evening. Ultimately, it just comes down to us being better than Portugal on the night and scoring one more goal than them. It does not matter how any of the games before have gone. Portugal are really strong in possession, especially in the opposing half. They make numerous passes and demonstrate a lot of movement. They have a very interesting mix of three midfielders who always want to be on the ball, while also possessing some players who can run at 36 kilometres per hour. We have to be very vigilant, but they also leave the door open to possibilities and we want to capitalise on those.

… the role of Leon Goretzka: Leon delivered an exemplary performance against Italy and he provides much strength in that position. Our midfield during the EUROs looked different with İlkay Gündoğan, but Leon changes things up a bit because he offers us another threat in the box.

Leon Goretzka on...

… playing in his club stadium: For me, it will feel like a home game – I love playing at this ground. It is a privilege, and I am looking forward to being able to play in front of our home fans. That can really make the difference in certain moments within the game and for that reason, I am really pleased that the final four stage is taking place in Germany.

… the prospect of winning a title: When you take part in a competition, you want to go on and win the thing. I can remember well when we played in the Confederations Cup and the significance of the tournament was rather waved aside in the lead-up. However, it served as a great experience and one I look back on fondly. It is now time that we secure another title and therefore we are highly motivated. It is like a mini EUROs, via which we can grant Germany some glory. That is our aim, and we will give everything to achieve that tomorrow.

… his return to the national team: I am someone who always wants to be achieving the utmost success, whether with Bayern or the national side. It had already always been something special to pull on the Germany shirt. I now perhaps feel a tad more gratitude because I know what a journey I have had to make to get here. I’m just happy to be here once again.