Beck. “Same responsibilities as before”

Andi, the team is in Füssen right now preparing itself for a long season. So that means there is no time to appreciate the scenery here, correct?

Correct. What we see is only the training ground and the lake that we have to jog around each morning. We don't have any time to see much of the region itself to be honest.

The first friendly against FC Füssen was a rather easy-going afternoon's work. What lessons can and did you take from it?

It was the same as any game at the start of a training camp, where we didn't really stretch ourselves too much. We have a second game coming up against Wangen, but the focus of this trip is to get the players fit and into shape. It's important to to lay the groundwork for a long season through camps like these. There is a high level of intensity to training. We have time to work on technical and tactical things in the coming weeks.

There are five new signings with the squad right now. What are your first impressions from Mathieu Delpierre, Stephan Schröck, Kevin Volland, Takashi Usami and Michael Gergoritsch?

It's quite difficult to say right now, as we haven't really had too many exercises together. But all of them seem to have a good fitness level and to be good characters to have around the place. They'll fit in very well with us.

Stephan Schröck has transferred to the club from Fürth. He is a versatile player and someone who can play at right-back. Are you expecting much competition for your place?

I've known him for a long time as we used to play in the Germany youth teams together. ‘Schröcki ‘ has a lot of qualities to his game that will definitely help the team. But I've been in the side for the best part of four seasons now, as long as I've been fit. I'm convinced that that will continue to be the case.

At the end of the season you stepped down as Hoffenheim's club captain. How would you describe your new role in the team?

To be honest, nothing has changed regarding my role in the team. I will still have the same responsibilities at before and be there for the team when they need me. That is a part of who I am. The squad is being rebuilt and it was important that other players were given the opportunity to grow and take on some more responsibility. It doesn't really matter much to me if I wear the armband or not.

And finally, you must all have watched Germany's 4-2 win over Greece in the quarter-final of Euro 202. What do you think the Germany team can still achieve?

There are still two more games to be won before they can become champions. Germany has been dreaming of a title for years and I think we can do it. We have been playing the most attractive football at these championships, so if we were to win it, then it would be completely deserved.