:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69453597/1323530094.0.jpg)
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer knows Germany faces a tough task against France, but the 35-year-old is determined to help his squad get off to a good start.
“We are looking forward to the start and hopefully a successful European Championship,” Neuer said in the pregame press conference (as captured the DFB website). “It’s very special for me to have these games in Munich. We are happy to be able to start here in Munich as we did in 2006. We look forward to it and need everyone’s support.”
As excited as he might be about the match, Neuer is not about to reveal anything about his squad’s game plan.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22644307/1322403562.jpg)
“Of course, we don’t need to reveal anything before the game, it always has to happen on the pitch,” said Neuer. “We have to show our profile, show our face and that we absolutely want to win the games. The preparation and analysis is important, how the other team behaves, how we behave. It depends on each individual how he enters the situation. It is so that we ourselves can be a weapon on the offensive. At the back we need absolute stability.”
Neuer also indicated that his team knows and understands the great challenge ahead of it.
“Every game starts from scratch. We know France has played successful football in recent years. But I think we’re a good team too, that we’re uncomfortable to play,” Neuer said. “We want to act broadly. We don’t see ourselves as an underdog, we want to win the game here in Munich. We have to try to defend everything with passion.”