Quotes

[June 2008, following criticism from German politicians for having been caught smoking on camera during the Euro 2008 Germany - Portugal game] What should I say about it? It is my private thing. I am just human, with strengths and weaknesses. I smoke a cigarette sometimes, or drink a glass of red wine in the evening. It is not as if I am a hedonist. [...] I have to clear up a misunderstanding. I never fail when trying to give up, rather I take a break from it now and again. After the Euro 2008 is finished I will try to not smoke until the end of the year.

[2012, on whether members of the Germany national football team should have permission to smoke] I would not ban it, except for at meals or in team meetings.

[an interviewer believes that one of the reasons he smokes is to suppress his appetite] No, for crying out loud. I even believe hardly anybody eats as much candy as I do: Cake, chocolate, ice cream, desserts.

[2011, on why members of his squad are allowed to smoke] I am hardly a shining example myself in regards to that, after all. I have never smoked in the presence of players. In the past, a lot of players smoked, nowadays this is no longer a thing, actually. As far as I know, none of the national football squad members smoke. But I wouldn't forbid any player to smoke either - except, of course, during mealtimes or in a meeting.

[footballers who smoke] Personally, I don't issue orders in regards to this. Also, as a coach, it's not possible to permanently monitor something like that either.

Nowadays, visual things are almost exclusively the only thing young people are still stimulated by. You have to literally show them things, not just merely explain them to them.

They [Germany national football team] listen to music I could not endure for a long period of time. They are playing music in the dressing room that makes me leave the room. I prefer listening to German Schlager music.