Germany – J. Klinsmann: “We're very strong when we have our backs to the wall”

Comments from the Charles Ehrmann stadium in Nice.

“The team has seen a lot of changes since the beginning of this World Cup. Before, only four or five players could consider themselves sure to start, and now the nucleus has expanded to seven or eight players.

We have a lot of respect for the Mexicans, and we know how unified and how mentally strong they are. They seem both very solid and close, and they know how to rise to the occasion (as they showed against BELGIUM and HOLLAND)–this seems to be their main strength. Several players stand out from the crowd. We’re going to watch videos of some of their matches and discuss how to prepare for the last sixteen.

We’re not worried about the heat, it doesn’t bother me, it was worse in Dallas in 1994.

Although the coach hasn’t informed me, it’s fair to assume that the team will be the same as the one that played in the second half against IRAN. We’ll have to be more tenacious and aggressive against the Mexicans. We’ll have to rely on our aerial game to beat them, we shouldn’t cross from the midfield. We’re going to have to play deep down the wing and count on crosses outside the penalty area.

We are very confident. In the past, the “Mannschafft” have shown how practical they can be in these kinds of “direct elimination competitions.” We’re generally very strong when we have our backs to the wall.

Dietmar HAMANN (16) isn’t happy with his performance, nevertheless, he hopes to play against MEXICO and show his true worth–as he thinks he did in the second half against IRAN.

The coach has made a lot of changes in the midfield. But I don’t think the press should make a big deal about this. There are eleven of us on the pitch and you mustn’t blame the poor quality of play on the midfield.”