Former player Philipp Lahm: 'I want to print Ilkay Gundogan's name on my shirt'

Philipp Lahm (right) in the stands before a match at Euro 2024 - Photo: Reuters

During the group stage matches, Philipp Lahm travelled from stadium to stadium to monitor and supervise the matches. Previously, in a similar role at the 2006 World Cup, Franz Beckenbauer travelled by helicopter, but Philipp Lahm chose to travel by train for ecological reasons. This is an exchange between Philipp Lahm and reporter Christian Falk.

* During the above mentioned journey, what was the most beautiful encounter you had on board so far?

- I always go alone and disguise myself with a hood covering my face, the UEFA Euro backpack on my back. Sometimes I am mistaken for a volunteer and even asked for directions. The best thing for me is to be anonymous and observe the fans wearing different jerseys and listen to what they say about Euro 2024. Then my ears will be perked up to hear what they say.

* What did you think when you saw hundreds of Austrian fans having to miss the opening match in Dusseldorf due to train delays?

- Yes, it is bitter and shameful! These fans spent a lot of money and were eager to experience a match at Euro 2024. And yet they are in a difficult situation, and it is not their fault. I understand why they are angry. We have to admit that we have not done enough on infrastructure. Not only the railway system, our mobile phone network is not good either.

* Have you encountered any train delays at Euro 2024?

- Deutsche Bahn (German railway company) has delayed my travel plans a few times during this tournament. But the delays have been manageable so far as they have always been only a few minutes. Overall, I am aware of the problems and challenges that many fans currently face when travelling by train. We need to improve the infrastructure in Germany more drastically, which has been neglected in recent years.

* In your opinion, what is the key for the German team to return to playing as a united team, after many disappointing tournaments such as the 2018 and 2022 World Cups?

- Coach Julian Nagelsmann has identified the problems in the German national team. He has built a great system and has many talented players playing in the same positions who are ready to replace each other.

* If you could choose a player's jersey at Euro 2024, who would you choose?

- I want to have Ilkay Gundogan on my shirt. I like the way he plays and the way he presents himself. On the other hand, he is also the captain, just like I was.

* Up to this point, which team has impressed you the most?

- It's Spain. They made a very good impression, their play is even more coherent and stronger than ours, especially when they have the ball. In my opinion, Spain currently has the best player in the world, Rodri. He is the one who maintains the balance between attack and defense. For me, he has the ability to dominate Euro 2024.

* After the final on July 14, your role as tournament director will also end. Do you have any new plans after Euro 2024?

- Right now the only thing that matters to me is the tournament. I have learned a lot in the six years I have been in this role.

About Philipp Lahm

Born on November 11, 1983. 1.70m tall, when he was still playing, Philipp Lahm played as a full-back (both left and right).

During his 15 years at Bayern Munich, Philipp Lahm played 517 matches, scored 16 goals and won 21 titles with the team, including 8 Bundesliga championships, 1 Champions League championship, and 1 World Cup title.

Philipp Lahm played 113 matches for the German national team, scoring 5 goals. He won the 2014 World Cup with the German team, was runner-up at Euro 2008 and reached the semi-finals of the World Cup and Euro 3 times.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/cuu-danh-thu-philipp-lahm-toi-muon-in-ten-ilkay-gundogan-len-ao-dau-cua-minh-20240701094524361.htm