❝I do not know [if he will play] yet. He has a hematoma in the calf and this makes things difficult for him. Therefore, we must minimise the risk. He is not always training with the team, as you have to see how far he can go and how well he can deal with the pain. But he will have the necessary physical strength and power for the tournament.❞

❝Against Israel Philipp will start on the left because I want to try something out but it means nothing as to how we will play against Portugal in the first group game. The decision on [where he will play at the Euros] will be taken next week. I see this game as a test for us because I want to try a few things to see how some players adapt to them.❞

❝We have not spoken about the game against Chelsea anymore. I can assure you, he now has a new goal.❞

❝Schweinteiger is now pain free for the first time.He can perhaps train again with the team on Monday or Tuesday❞

❝The Dortmund players are very strong nationally. They are coming up. But they are not as internationally tested as the Bavarians. [The European Championships] have a different level. With all due respect, we are not playing against Hoffenheim, Nuremberg etc. We are playing against the top 10 in the world – against Spain, the current World and European champions. That’s the highest level.❞

❝I am sensing the yearning for a major title, especially within the team. It is clear that I also want a place in the history books.❞

❝We do not have an anti-Spain plan. If you want to cause Spain problems, you will have to do so by playing football. You have to pressure them, and enjoy the majority of possession. If you cannot do that, and Spain do not have a bad day at the office and do not take their chances, beating them is going to be very complicated.❞

❝It really doesn’t bother me what somebody somewhere else thinks. I, as head coach, may very often have a different view to the media or the public or a few fans. So we judge the players on how they play regardless of what everyone else says. Perhaps such opinions might interest me now and again, but I have my own ideas on things and that is all that matters.❞

❝Schweinsteiger is getting better and better, he’s developing more of a presence and when it gets tough he can keep the ball. He’s physically strong and wins the one-on-ones.❞

❝We did that because he played a perfect season. Klose was injured in the end, so I chose Gomez because he had the rhythm and scored a lot. But we need Klose as well, he is very important.❞