Leroy Sané was in the starting eleven for the German national team for the first time at the European Championships in the round of 16 match against Denmark. The speedy winger from FC Bayern Munich also has a good chance of playing from the start in the quarter-final against Spain on Friday (9 p.m., ARD, MagentaTV and in the live ticker at WELT).
Ask: Mr. Sané, after the victory against Denmark in Stuttgart, the team only returned to their quarters in Herzogenaurach at around 3 a.m. Take us through this: How do the hours after a victory and at night go at the DFB?
Leroy Sané: The coach gives a speech in the changing room, which already covers tactical details. Music is playing in the changing room and on the bus, we try to process the game. The atmosphere was great on Saturday. In the camp we sit together for a while and chat – but when it’s as late as it was after the round of 16, we quickly go to our rooms and to bed. We still have plans for this tournament.
Leroy Sané (left) in the round of 16 against Denmark
Source: Christian Charisius/dpa
Ask: What do you notice about the European Championship mood in the country?
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Sane: When we take the bus to the stadium or go onto the pitch to warm up, it’s sensational. We hear a lot on social media, including how a saxophone player gets the fans excited: it’s really cool to see and gives us even more energy for the game.
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Ask: German rapper Kontra K joined the team last week after Peter Maffay visited the team in 2021. What is your style?
Sane: I’m more on Team Kontra K… The performance was really good, and I studied his lyrics a bit afterwards. It’s about life, about what he’s been through. The lyrics to “Success is not luck” have become our team’s motto, that’s what we all have in common. When that’s played in the stadium, we all know what it’s about, what we’re here for.
Ask: “Major Tom” became a hit in the stadium and at the European Championships. Music to your taste?
Sane: The song is not in my playlist now (laughs). But it’s great that we now have a song that connects us with the fans. “Major Tom” is a party hit, and we celebrate with the fans. Everyone feels good at the moment and is happy for each other, accepting their role. We have great characters in the team. This is spilling over more and more to the fans.
Ask: How do you see your role in this structure? You weren’t in the starting eleven in the preliminary round, but you were in the round of 16 against Denmark.
Sane: I needed time after my injury, I had to find my rhythm again. The good feeling is back now, I am free of pain, feel fit and ready to be in the starting eleven. Julian (National coach Nagelsmann; ed.) and I always communicated very openly and directly with each other, it was clear that I still needed time. Now I’m just looking forward to Friday, to the game against Spain.
Ask: Are you back to 100 percent yet?
Sane: The plan worked perfectly. I’m not in any pain anymore, even after the long game against Denmark.
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Ask: You were also emotionally involved in the celebrations as a substitute. In the past, you were sometimes accused of having a bad ego. Are you a different type of person than you used to be?
Sane: I’m not an ego guy, not generally. When you’re younger, you might not be able to see the bigger picture, and understandably you focus more on yourself. But for a long time now I’ve been concerned with how we can be successful as a team. What can we improve as a team to be successful? I’m aware that people from the outside used to look at me differently, but everyone who knows me knows that I give everything for my team. I’m also very hard on myself, and I know exactly when I’m playing well and when I’m not.
Sané (left) high-fives national coach Julian Nagelsmann
Source: Christian Charisius/dpa
Ask: How did you like your game against Denmark?
Sane: It was okay, I would say. It was very important for me to get the minutes to get into my rhythm. I know that I can play much better, but the game helped me a lot with that. I am at an age where I can and want to take responsibility for the team: I am more pleased about my teammates’ goals than my own. My arms are often already in the air in celebration before the ball lands in the goal (laughs).
Ask: Can you help a teammate like Florian Wirtz, who is seven years younger than you and is experiencing his first European Championship?
Sane: I don’t have to explain anything to him about football – he’s got everything. But I can tell him that he should just enjoy the tournament and concentrate on his game. It’s really fun with him, Flo and I have a good relationship. He will be very important for us at the European Championships.
Ask: Things are going very well for Jamal Musiala so far. What do you think of his performances at the tournament?
Sane: Jamal is a great boy, we get on very well. He should keep scoring goals: I hope he becomes top scorer. He deserves to do even better in front of goal now. Jamal is working very hard for that.
Ask: Musiala’s dream is to become a world-class footballer one day. Do you think he can do it?
Sane: He definitely has the qualities for it. If Jamal continues like this, he has a good chance of becoming World Footballer soon. I hope he wins that title too.
Ask: Your friend Antonio Rüdiger was named player of the match against Denmark. How important is he, not only as a defensive leader, but also as a person?
Sane: Toni is a great guy with a very unique style. He pushes us because he also brings the necessary relaxed attitude. It’s great fun with him, he makes everyone laugh: Toni is a link in the team and of course a world-class defender.
Ask: Would people who criticize Rüdiger for his behavior judge him differently if they really knew him?
Sane: Absolutely. You can only judge a person once you really know them. That’s why many people should perhaps approach it a little more cautiously and think about how they would deal with such criticism. The people who are critical of Toni would change their opinion if they really got to know him.
Ask: Spain now faces Germany in the quarter-finals. Is it the best team in the tournament so far?
Sane: Spain are very strong, they play aggressive football, defend strongly. They are the best team in the tournament so far. In Lamine Yamal they have a player who makes me wonder: “How does that work at this age?” That is remarkable. It is great fun to watch him. I hope he continues in the same way. In Rodri they also have a man in midfield who I would compare to Toni Kroos: he is the link between defence and attack. Rodri sets the tempo.
Ask: Finally: What headline would you like to read on page 1 of SPORT BILD at the end of the European Championships?
Sane: “Germany is European champion!” And I don’t care who scored the decisive goal. As far as I’m concerned, it could be Julian Nagelsmann (laughs out loud).
The interview was conducted for the Sports Competence Center (WELT, SPORT BILD, BILD) and first published in SPORT BILD.
