ÖFB sports activities director Peter Schöttel warned of the footballing qualities of the Turks earlier than the duel with Turkey on Tuesday (9 p.m.) in Leipzig.
In an interview with the APA – Austria Press Company, the 57-year-old Viennese additionally spoke in regards to the elevated expectations, the additional match tree and the function of group supervisor Ralf Rangnick within the present euphoria.
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Turkey is the opponent within the spherical of 16. How do you price the group in gentle of their 6-1 victory in March?
Schöttel: “The 6-1 was a house sport in Vienna, a pleasant match. Now we’re within the spherical of 16 of a ultimate spherical on de facto impartial floor. We’ve superb recollections of the match, however the Turks will definitely have analyzed it. We wish to take the following step in Leipzig and get into the following spherical. The sport begins once more at 0-0, however we’re definitely moving into with feeling following the leads to the previous couple of video games.”
What qualities does this Turkish group have and what makes them harmful?
Schöttel: “Technically, they’re a really tremendous group, very passionate, very emotional. They’ll additionally get right into a type of sport frenzy should you allow them to play. They’re an excellent soccer group that may attempt to get to the quarter-finals similar to us.”
The Turks are lacking two necessary gamers on account of suspension, together with their captain, Hakan Calhanoglu. What impact does this have?
Schöttel: “That is definitely not an obstacle for us, as a result of Calhanoglu definitely performs a key function within the group. Issues like that occur over the course of the match. I hope we advance, then somebody will all the time be suspended. Each group has to make it possible for they compensate for that as greatest as doable. That provides others the chance to show themselves.”
A knockout match in a finals is a narrative in itself. How is the group coping with that?
Schöttel: “In a ultimate spherical, you first should get by the preliminary spherical to get to the knockout video games. However we did not simply get by the preliminary spherical, we got here out on high of the group. That is clearly superb for us. It definitely did not damage our confidence. However in actuality, we go into each sport as if it had been a knockout sport. We by no means play techniques. We simply attempt to carry our sport onto the pitch. That is what we’ll attempt to do on Tuesday. Then we’re assured that we will win this sport too.”
What’s new is the function of favourite, one thing you have not had within the match earlier than. How do you cope with that?
Schöttel: “We had been requested earlier than the EURO whether or not this euphoria wasn’t by some means dangerous. I all the time desire ambiance and a assured group that’s satisfied that we will obtain one thing large right here. Whether or not we’re the favorites or not is extra more likely to be determined from exterior. The actual fact is: It begins at 0-0 and Turkey has a extremely good group – however so can we.”
How do you assess the excessive public expectations?
Schöttel: “The group has merely earned the truth that many individuals within the nation – but additionally exterior Austria – now have an excellent opinion of them. That is nice. That is what we would like, that we’re profitable, that we take folks with us and encourage the entire nation. We’ve succeeded in doing that to date.”
The actually large favorites are within the different half of the match grid. To what extent does that let you dream?
Schöttel: “It is professional that everybody seems on the match tree and says what if. However we have carried out effectively by concentrating on the following opponent. We’re assured sufficient to know that if we’re good, now we have probability. You’ll be able to suppose every part by, however then out of the blue Georgia beats Portugal and every part is completely different once more. Then out of the blue, should you get to the quarter-finals, you is perhaps enjoying in opposition to Holland once more. That is a bit unusual, however that is simply how it’s. I do not wish to do Romania an injustice both, they’re enjoying a fantastic EURO. Holland should beat Romania first.”
We talked in regards to the euphoria issue. How can Austrian soccer use this sustainably?
Schöttel: “We’re all the time within the means of initiating and implementing sustainable processes. Rather a lot has occurred in recent times. However normal temper within the nation and in sport all the time helps. The gamers are very, superb ambassadors for Austrian soccer, the best way they carry out right here.”
Group boss Ralf Rangnick can also be a fantastic ambassador. How has he handled this match scenario to date, how is he managing the entire thing?
Schöttel: “He’s no completely different than he was within the final two years. He has clear concepts, he has a really shut connection to the group. He additionally exudes plenty of optimism and self-assurance.”
How a lot of his contribution to the present euphoria must be estimated?
Schöttel: “He’s following all large and it’s his group. He has the most important share, however additionally it is regarding how the entire group stands collectively – all of the gamers, coaches and assist employees. We should not neglect: now we have been collectively for a month with the preparation. The ambiance is nice, everyone seems to be wanting ahead to it and is hungry for fulfillment. That isn’t a given. You hear various things from different groups.”
