Schlotterbeck: We Fear No Opponent at the World Cup

Schlotterbeck: We Fear No Opponent and Want to Compete for the World Cup Title
Nico Schlotterbeck was still one of the younger players in Germany's squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Four years later, the defender has firmly established himself at center-back and has grown into one of the team's key figures. After Germany's first training session in Herzogenaurach, the 26-year-old spoke to reporters.

How was the first training session? What's the atmosphere like in the squad right now?
"I think the intensity was already quite high. The atmosphere in the squad is very good, and the quality of training was excellent. It was definitely very hot, but apart from that, I was very satisfied with the session."

With the World Cup being held in the United States, has the heat already become a topic of discussion?
"It's very hot in Germany as well at the moment, which may not be a bad thing because it allows us to adapt in advance. I'm also curious to see what conditions will be like when we get there. I don't think it will be easy, but every team will have to deal with the same circumstances."

With more tournaments and shorter breaks, how significant is the physical burden on players?
"These days, there are hardly any summers where players can enjoy six or seven weeks off. Most of the time, you only get two or three weeks. But when it comes to a tournament like the World Cup, I don't think physical fitness is the decisive factor. What's most important is concentration and the level of performance you can deliver during matches."

What lessons did you take from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar?
"The political discussions surrounding the tournament didn't distract me too much personally. However, if the focus outside the team had remained more on football itself, it might have benefited us to some extent. This time, we want to prove ourselves through our football."

Do the boos you received after extending your contract with Borussia Dortmund still affect you?
"No, not at all. My full focus is on the World Cup right now. That situation doesn't really affect me anymore."

Does it make a difference to you whether Manuel Neuer or Oliver Baumann is in goal?
"Of course, Neuer is a huge name and probably one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history. But regardless of who is in goal, both give me a strong sense of security."

What would constitute a successful World Cup for you?
"I didn't come to the World Cup just to be satisfied with reaching the quarter-finals. Germany is a football powerhouse. We want to challenge for the biggest prize and aim to win every match."

How do you assess the current Germany squad?
"We have some very special players in attack and very reliable players in defense. Right now, I can't think of any opponent that we should be afraid of."

What is your impression of Julian Nagelsmann?
"He seems very relaxed, but at the same time he's extremely detail-oriented. He's very vocal during training and full of passion for this tournament."