It has been six years since he first worked as an expert for ARD. Thomas Broich, a former football professional, has enjoyed great popularity in his role ever since. He brings added value because he is convincing in terms of expertise, but also with the way he entertains TV viewers as a proven tactical expert. The 43-year-old, who will become the new sporting director of Borussia Dortmund’s youth performance center on July 1, is also working for ARD at the current European Championships.
WELT: Mr Broich, what is your conclusion after the preliminary round from a sporting, footballing point of view – are there any initial insights from this tournament?
Thomas Broich: I like the European Championship so far, most teams are proactive. But we can assume that a phase is coming in which this will certainly change somewhat, as people are now more focused on the result. Many teams are aiming to find solutions through play. It is also noticeable that some of the teams are very versatile.
Thomas Broich has been working as an expert for ARD since 2018. For the new season, he will be moving to BVB as head of the youth performance center
Source: picture alliance/augenklick/firo Sportphoto/Jürgen Fromme
WELT: In what way?
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Broich: The goals are scored in very different ways. There is no longer just one way, one solution. Almost every team has, if I can put it that way, a toolbox that symbolically supports them in scoring goals – and shows how goals can be scored. Goals after pressing, goals after counter-pressing, goals after a counterattack – or can we fillet the opponent with through passes through the center. Long-range shots are used or crosses to the second post when teams defend deeper. Then there are always impressive cutbacks, i.e. passes into the back area. Somehow I have the feeling that the teams can master many scenarios. This means that you rarely get the impression that no goals are scored in the game in question. This versatility stands out in this tournament.
WELT: Are there any teams that have left a lasting impression on you?
Broich: I didn’t expect the Spanish to be so good. I’ve always been a fan of this style of football. They are currently building a new generation, which is why I’m surprised that many things within the team are already working so well. Above all, their game is coupled with elements that are so important in modern football.
Only 16 years old – and already a star in the Spanish team: Lamine Yamal (r.)
Source: dpa/Rolf Vennenbernd
WELT: That means?
Broich: The Spanish have a lot of depth in their game. When I see how they switch, how they slam the ball behind the opponent’s line – it’s impressive. Lamine Yamal or Nico Williams, these are players who inspire me. In their strong years, Spain was distinguished by the fact that they were not just a possession machine, but that they were aggressive and aggressive when it came to winning high balls. They now have a defensive compactness and aggressiveness again…
WELT: … and they are able to make ten changes to the starting eleven in the third group match without disrupting the flow of the game.
Broich: That’s because the basic footballing idea is so firmly anchored. It’s more or less well developed in many teams or nations – in the case of Spain, you have to talk about the whole nation, because it’s the DNA of Spanish football. You have it in Austria too, because Ralf Rangnick is there and a DNA was created with him. It’s not as if Austria had this DNA per se. But I’m not surprised that they’re performing so well. Because the football they’re showing is something they’ve been playing so well with Rangnick for months.
Riccardo Calafiori (l.) is one of the most conspicuous players at the current European Championship. The Italian central defender is under contract with FC Bologna
Quelle: Getty Images for FIGC/Claudio Villa
WELT: You are talking to the coaches. Despite winning the group, Gareth Southgate is being criticized for England’s disappointing performance so far.
Broich: I have the feeling that most teams go out on the pitch to win the game. With the English, on the other hand, it feels like they are doing everything they can to avoid losing. That can be viewed very critically because it seems unimaginative. On the other hand, it is not easy for any team to play against them. You have to beat them first. I am excited to see how much they can improve.
WELT: How do you rate the French, who have not yet scored a goal from open play?
Broich: Nevertheless, their football is fine. They create chances. I actually think they like to attack – and not at all pragmatic. They march and always have refreshing elements in their game, as they have some very good individual players. I would even say that almost all of France’s players are in really good form. Kante, Rabiot and Griezmann – they all play well. They will be slight favorites against any team.
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WELT: Are there one or two players that stand out for you so far? Many experts rave about Italy’s central defender Riccardo Calafioli.
Broich: Calafiori was undoubtedly convincing. In several games, various individual talents stood out. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that one player left his mark on the tournament.
WELT: Let’s say a few words about the German national team. How do you like it so far?
Broich: I am very positive about the team. We have a wide range of solutions for scoring a goal. We have everything. I also think that our ball circulation is generally very good. I still believe that anything is possible for the Germans in all directions at this European Championship. I trust us to go “all the way” – and beat any opponent.
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WELT: Oha.
Broich: Yes, I don’t think we have to give in to Spain, France or England. On the other hand, it’s not like we’ve already won against any team. Against the big nations, it will be a duel on equal terms because I don’t see any opponent who has a clear advantage over us. But we’re not that solid yet. There are still too many phases of the game in which we’re vulnerable, that is, when we’re pressed or there are counterattacks. I think there are lots of ways to hurt us.
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WELT: We saw that against Switzerland.
Broich: That’s true. And as far as counterattacks are concerned, I think we haven’t seen any really bad counterattacks against us at this tournament. When I read or hear that Ndoye caused us a lot of problems in the game against Switzerland – with all due respect, but there are other players of a completely different caliber internationally. There is currently a discussion about whether we have the most problems when we are attacked high or when we are standing high and run into a counterattack – I think it’s both. We still don’t have the confidence and security with the ball from the back. And because our full-backs, Maxi Mittelstädt and Joshua Kimmich, are standing very high, we could face another danger if we come up against fast international top players. I already mentioned players like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams at the beginning – and those are just two. Since we know who we could face when we play Denmark, it won’t be easy. There are also the French and the Portuguese, who I also think are very good.
WELT: Finally, we would like to know what you think of the new UEFA rule with regard to matches and the flow of the game, according to which only the captain is allowed to enter into dialogue with the referee in order to prevent pack formation?
Broich: It is noticeable that there is less discussion on the pitch overall, which is of course good for the game itself. But I don’t see any direct influence on the flow of the game in this regard.
