Quotes

The young generation has a different curiosity that is more visual.

I think when there's enough will and aggression, there's no shortage of talent either.

I do swear a lot, but the advantage is that having played abroad, I can choose a different language from the referee's.

As far as knowledge goes I've come a long way.

We Germans are so good at penalties because we have had to rebuild our country twice.

Personally, I need a high level of physical fitness in order to feel at ease.

We can only win by giving everything and being ready to defeat the adversary with fiery aggression.

To any young kid who wants to be a footballer, I would simply say: Have fun playing football and enjoy the team - spirit. That's the right attitude; that will bring you pleasure and fulfillment in football. A baker cannot live on bread he made yesterday, and a footballer cannot live on his last game. It's about the here and now.

If the national coach lets decisions be made from outside, he's lost the team.

Lionel Messi is very much the team player, while Cristiano [Ronaldo] is very ego-driven.

We coaches have to learn how to deal with that: How do I get to each one best - with a talk, with video analysis? And what sort of tone? We need our own coaches for that. The sports psychologist coaches me too.

I think the European Championship in 1996 in England was a great experience for us as there was a great camaraderie in the team and we knew that through this team spirit we could compete with the other teams. We fought all through the tournament and played really good football, even if we were not the best team. Italy were a bit better, England had a great team, but we had the best will.

[on Germany vs England at Euro '96] There was a tremendous atmosphere - above all, coming from the English fans who sang all the way through the game. It was fantastic, it got under your skin. I think no player, English or German, will forget that semi-final.