Hansi #Flick on whether he sees #Kimmich as 6 and on discussions that he needs a more defensive minded player next to him: "I'm convinced that he is really good in this position. Half a year ago Jo was a world-class 6 and now we're questioning him?" [@faznet via @iMiaSanMia]
Flick: "You can see in Munich that he's someone who offers a lot of solutions with the ball, has an enormous passing quality, he can play passes really precisely and at the right pace. That's exactly what we need in this position."
Flick on not calling up #Süle: "My job is to make sure every player reaches their full potential. Niki could be one of the best defenders. His potential is huge. But I think he still leaves something to be desired. I want him to take a step forward in his attitude and mentality"
Flick on Manuel #Neuer: "Things are going well for Manu. We met briefly in Munich at the Bayern vs Leipzig game. He's a bit ahead of schedule. I'm convinced that when he's fit again he'll be back to his old level."
Will he then automatically be 1 and captain again?
Flick: "We'll decide that when the time comes. Manuel Neuer has shaped goalkeeping for well over 10 years. He's exceptional as a goalkeeper, as well as a person. But he has to – and he knows that – bring his performances."
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Bayern Munich's new signing from RB Leipzig Konrad #Laimer is one of the most combative and complete central midfielders in the German top flight. A thread 🧵
Laimer is a product of the Red Bull Salzburg academy, but made his senior debut for the club's feeder side, second-tier Liefering, in 2014. ⬇️
Within months, he was back at Salzburg, where he became the Austrian Bundesliga's second youngest debutant, aged 17 years, four months and one day.
Kevin #Trapp on his call-up and role as a substitute: "It's always a great feeling to play for Germany, especially given the context of the 1000th international match. Hopefully it will be a good game and we can come out on top; it's a special day for me."
Trapp: "The situation and my role are clear; I know what's required of me. Nevertheless, I want to prove myself in the long term. The national coach has told me that I will play and I'm assuming that it will be for 90 minutes."
Trapp: "As a goalkeeper you have to be patient and take your chances when they come."
Antonio #Rüdiger on three at the back and his role in the system: "In the past we often tried out playing with a back three. It's good to have different systems in case we have to switch things up in a game."
Rüdiger: "I've never played in the centre and don't think that I will play there. In the centre you have to stay and cover, whereas I want to get more forward on the outside."
Rüdiger on the Ukraine game: "We don't have a lot of time left until the European Championship. We want to continue to develop and excite the fans."
Rudi #Völler on the importance of the Ukraine match: "I'm looking forward to it! In particular, it being the 1000th international game is something special. An occasion like this, given the context, has a great significance."
Völler on Niklas #Süle not being selected: "Hansi #Flick is the best judge of that and has already explained it very well. Hansi knows him and has expressed it well. We hope that he can get back involved by performing well at BVB."
Völler on the 2001 World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine: "Back then it was in the play-offs and I've already said in many interviews that I haven't often felt as much pressure as I did in those two games. Back then, we played against an incredible team with amazing fans."
Bernd #Neuendorf on the significance of the Ukraine game: " For all of us, the game is special, it's an extraordinary occasion. The game has a very special meaning; we are playing with Ukraine in this game rather than against Ukraine."
Neuendorf: "This game is a real statement for me; we are looking forward to it and our guests from Ukraine."
Neuendorf on Bremen as the venue: "This is the first international match in Bremen since 2012 and it's about time that the football-loving area of Bremen is once again involved at the international level. After my election, I began talks with politicians and Werder Bremen."