Littbarski interview

DW: Having defeated the hosts Brazil in such a dominant fashion in the semi-final, is there a risk the German team will feel like they've already won? Will they be able to come down to earth after the big win?

Pierre Littbarski: Obviously, they are very focused. I saw some interviews after the match and actually, even though they were really happy to reach the final, they are now focusing again. For the Germans winning the final is so important, especially because they lost in the semifinals in the past and in the final in 2002 against Brazil. We have a lot of players with a lot of experience losing these games and this actually helps them. They will focus more, and try not to make the same mistakes.

You know what it's like to be in German training camps around a World Cup final. With training sessions throughout the day, how will the players be spending their free time? Will the players feel bored in Santo Andre?

No, I think they actually have a good mix between free time and doing some stuff on their own. They have some training, video sessions and do some preparing for the game. So I think the balance is okay, from what I hear. They are not forcing them to stay in the camp. They are relaxed and I don't think they will be bored. They are waiting to play the final.

Joachim Löw has created a club-like atmosphere with the German team. How is it that Germany is able to have such a good atmosphere in the camp, over such a long period?

First, you have to look at the history. Klose was at the World Cup in 2002, we have lots of experienced players like [Philipp] Lahm, Schweini [Bastian Schweinsteiger] and so on. Then came the former U21 players, like [Mario] Götze and [Mesut] Özil who have known each other a long time. They have played together at the World Cup and European Championships.

From what I have seen the atmosphere between the players, not just starters and subs, is quite good, there is lots of respect. But also there are players like [Thomas] Müller, who are taking care of the substitute players.

The influence of Bayern Munich is very strong because six or so players are from there. There is a great feeling of togetherness among these players. Overall, the atmosphere is really good. We didn't have the problems that Cameroon and others were having.

Would you say there are some similarities between when you played Argentina in the World Cup final in 1986, and now this game in 2014? Back in 1986 Argentine fans were in Mexico in large numbers and there will be lots in Rio de Janeiro, too.

I don't know how much you can compare this match with 1986, maybe more with 1990. I don't know how big the percentage of Argentine supporters will be. There will be neutrals - Brazilians - and we know the relationship between Brazilians and Argentina, so the Brazilians will probably support the Germans.

Maybe the comparison to 1990 [where Germany also played Argentina in the final] is more accurate because back then Argentina beat the hosts Italy in the semifinals, and so, everyone was on our side for the final.

The Argentines played much better in 1986. Maradona had some great moves in that tournament, aside from the time when he did that handball. Now, Argentina are not very effective and so I think lots of people will be on our side. Even if there are lots of people cheering against them, I don't think the players will feel uncomfortable because they are focused on the game. I don't think it will be a big issue.

What do you think of the quality of the national team? Stereotypes about the German national team continue, portraying them as efficient and effective and so on but omitting to talk about their technical quality. Do you think this German team is under-rated?

I can't understand these comments. Germany has been by far the best team in the tournament, in terms of playing effectively, and attractively. What more do you want than 7-1? There they played 45 minutes of "dream" football. I have not seen another team who played so consistently all the time. They haven’t stormed through the tournament, but you can’t expect that, with the quality of the opponents.

Compared with the other teams we have been the best team by far. We don't lose the ball that much, we have a lot of passing in our game, we stand solid in defense and in the final meters we have been fantastic. That’s my opinion.

Pierre Littbarski played in three World Cup tournaments in his career taking the pitch twice in the final. He now works in scouting and player development at German Bundesliga club, Wolfsburg.