Interview of the week: "Delighted and relieved"

Andreas, you're in the provisional World Cup squad. Congratulations! How did you find out the news?

Thanks very much. We were on the way to eat with Dietmar Hopp. The call came just as we got out of the bus. I called Hansi Flick back and when he told me I would have the opportunity to prove myself in the international team I was delighted, but also relieved. I'll be doing everything I can over the next few weeks to fulfil my dream for my country in South Africa.

Joachim Löw must drop four players from the squad ahead of the tournament. Are you confident you will make the final cut?

The confidence is definitely there, especially seeing as we will have almost three weeks together as a squad. It's a great opportunity to prove yourself in the training sessions and the friendly against Malta. I feel very good, I've played well recently and hopefully I can take that confidence with me.

You've been at Hoffenheim for almost two years now and have become an international in that time. What do you make of your development since your arrival?

My own development has a lot to do with the general development of Hoffenheim as a club. I wasn't a first-team regular at Stuttgart so I came here and I'm very thankful for the chance Ralf Rangnick and Jan Schindelmeiser offered me. I've developed positively over the two years and long may it continue.