The record national player came from Bangkok, with a short stopover in Munich. Lothar Matthäus initially traveled privately with a friend in Thailand and celebrated his 63rd birthday there, then traveled professionally for a project with the German Football League (DFL) and landed in Frankfurt/May on Tuesday. There he prepared for his assignment as a television expert for the game between the German national soccer team and the Netherlands (8:45 p.m., RTL and in the WELT live ticker). It is the last test of the selection before the start of preparation for the European Championships in Germany (June 14th to July 14th).
At noon before the game, Matthäus spoke at an “Interwetten” press conference about…
… the form of the national team: “They played bravely and compactly against France. This is the right way now. We have excellent players. It is Julian Nagelsmann’s job to ensure that the team shows this in the next games. The team has the confidence to do something again. We are good, we were better than France. The victory was well deserved. They have now found a tactic, a system in which players play in the positions where they can be world class. Against France we concentrated on our own strengths and didn’t focus on the opponent. We should take that with us.”
Clear demand from the world champion: Germany must become European champion
Source: Getty Images/Matthias Hangst
… returnee Toni Kroos: “He is indispensable at Real. Nagelsmann has positioned him so that he is needed. He doesn’t have to be a captain. He gets the balls, sets the rhythm and tries to stabilize the defense. It’s like playing chess: no move that is unnecessary. I saw a lot of passes into the offensive field, and that’s what sets him apart.”
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… shooting star Robert Andrich: “I had him on the list two years ago. And had recommended to Hansi Flick that he take him to Qatar. Andrich has Kross’s back.”
Drivers and workers – Kroos (l.) formed a strong center in front of the defense with Andrich (M) against France
What: REUTERS
… Germany’s chances of winning the European Championship: “This team can’t just become European champions, they have to be! I say this half with a wink, half seriously. We can definitely become European champions. The team has to be measured by what they achieved against France. This includes compactness, cooperation and conviction. Now we know what the team is capable of. Which first team in Europe is better equipped than us? The French? I say no. We have to try to think big again. The national team must become important again. It’s been five years without results, just one good game between the two. The team has to be confident, but not arrogant.”
… Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen: “He was the only bright spot in many international matches before. I think it’s right when Nagelsmann says Neuer is my number one. Ter Stegen can do whatever he wants – he can’t get past Manuel Neuer. Julian is no longer allowed to drive on a zigzag course.”
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… the requirements for national players: “We need people to work their asses off. Like Anton, like Andrich. Anton is a leader who also sets the tone moving forward.”
… the currently suspended Leroy Sané and his chances of making the European Championship starting eleven: “He is definitely a player who has to be part of the inner circle, also as far as the starting line-up is concerned. Nagelsmann knows him from Bayern Munich. Sané is often misjudged by the public. He is an artist. Coming off the bench isn’t easy for him, but the quality and speed, this cleverness – you shouldn’t miss out on that. “
Criticism of Antonio Rüdiger – “He has to keep his feet still. He serves as a role model.”
A photo by Antonio Rüdiger for Ramadan is causing a stir. He then shows himself with a raised index finger, a gesture that is also used by Islamists. “He has to know,” says former national player Jimmy Hartwig and criticizes Rüdiger’s failure to act as a role model.
… Leon Goretzka, who is currently surprisingly not nominated: “He is ambitious and has been there for a long time. He has the right to play. I don’t know where Julian sees him. Gündogan and Kroos have filled two places, plus Wirtz and Musiala, who have become an integral part of the team. Is there any room left? Maybe there’s no room for Leon anymore. Of course it’s a player who hasn’t been written off.”
… players not currently nominated who could still make it into the European Championship squad: “The Dortmund players will have a difficult time. Apart from Füllkrug, I don’t see anyone among the 23 players who will be nominated for the European Championship. There are a total of seven to eight players who are still on the list – but if the other players continue to perform like this, it will be difficult for others to move up.”
… the future of Julian Nagelsmann: “I don’t think the DFB should extend his contract if they don’t know the outcome of the European Championship. I also believe he can return to FC Bayern. He didn’t do very well there, he did well. I liked him at Bayern Munich. He was often left alone there, maybe got a little lost, he was left standing in the rain. He does a great job and knows a lot about football. By taking leave he has taken a step forward.”
Germany against Oranje – Nagelsmann and Andrich provide information about the status of the preparations
The rivalry between Germans and Dutch has shaped football generations. The special atmosphere will be felt again at the European Championship test match in Frankfurt. Now national coaches Julian Nagelsmann and Robert Andrich informed about the preparations for the game at a press conference.
… the DFB’s much-discussed change of supplier from Adidas to Nike from 2027: “Of course it is a shame when a company that has worked successfully with the DFB for 70 years is left out somewhere. Money plays an important role. Not accepting the sum, especially given the imbalance that exists at the DFB, would have been negligent. Money wins against tradition. What I don’t understand is that people don’t draw a line in the sand immediately after the European Championships. What should coexistence look like in the next three years? This is all a bit strange. I might have solved it cleaner and differently. Maybe it didn’t work. If Nike is paying almost twice as much, it is understandable to me that the DFB has signed the contract.”
… the top game in the Bundesliga between FC Bayern and Borussia Dortmund next Saturday evening:
“For FC Bayern it’s actually a game about nothing. They’ve definitely qualified for the Champions League, I don’t think they’ll catch up with Leverkusen, there won’t be much movement forward for Bayern, nor at the back either. The whole world is watching, the game has a very big impact internationally. But it’s not the game we’ve seen in recent years. For Dortmund it is a little more important. Dortmund needs to win more urgently.”
… Bayer Leverkusen’s form strength: “Ten points ahead – you couldn’t assume that before the season. It’s crazy how they shot games. It reminds me of FC Barcelona with Messi and Iniesta back then. The next German champion is Bayer Leverkusen. I assume a minimum of the double.”
Leverkusen marches from victory to victory
Source: dpa/Marius Becker
… the possible coaching changes next summer: “Bayern Munich will be very vigilant to question everything with their next coach. Nagelsmann and Tuchel weren’t there for long. I hope that a long-term solution will now come. It would be important for the club and the players. I don’t think Sebastian Hoeneß is going to FC Bayern. Ralf Rangnick has to be on this list that Max Eberl created. Wherever he worked, he always did successful work. He relies on young players, which is where FC Bayern also wants to go. It wouldn’t surprise me if Nagelsmann came back. I would still like to see Alonso in Leverkusen. What is he supposed to do in Liverpool? Jürgen Klopp’s successor – those would be big shoes for him to put on.”
…a non-German-speaking coach like Roberto De Zerbi as an option for FC Bayern? “Why not? FC Bayern is international. Every player speaks English. That should not be a problem.”
… the relegation battle: “Darmstadt has been relegated, I don’t trust them anymore. For me, the second relegated team is 1. FC Köln. Mainz has gained new faith and new energy thanks to the new coach. Mainz could bring in another team with a series. VfL Bochum is weakening a bit, Mainz could pull them in.”
