Bastian Schweinsteiger is part of the European Football Championship as an expert. He now spoke about the favorites and his relationship with Esther Sedlaczek.
In 2014, Bastian Schweinsteiger (39) played the game of his life in the World Cup final against Argentina, giving the DFB team its greatest triumph in recent memory. The Bayern Munich idol was also on the pitch in 2006, at the World Cup in their own country. Now, as an ARD expert, he is commenting on his former team’s games from the sidelines at the upcoming European Championships in Germany.
In an interview with the news agency spot on news, Bastian Schweinsteiger reveals that he would still prefer to get involved in the action himself. He also talks about his special relationship with his fellow presenter Esther Sedlaczek (38) and explains why, in his eyes, Germany is not one of the top favorites for the European Championship title.
Mr Schweinsteiger, you yourself were able to experience the 2006 World Cup in your own country as a player. Take us with you: What can the current DFB players expect?
Bastian Schweinsteiger: Of course you have a home advantage and as a player you feel the support – even before the games. I hope that we win the first game against Scotland, that can spark huge euphoria across the country. That’s what happened to us in 2006 when we beat Costa Rica 4-2 and we continued to ride that wave.
What about you personally? Are you already in Euro fever?
Schweinsteiger: I’m really looking forward to it and would love to be on the pitch myself. There is nothing greater in a footballer’s life than being able to represent his own country at a major tournament at home. Luckily, I was able to experience that in 2006.
Do you think that the 2024 European Championship can trigger a similar euphoria in Germany as in 2006?
Schweinsteiger: The potential is definitely there, but we have to exploit it. That is primarily achieved through a good performance by the national team. It is not necessary to win a title: the way we play football is more important. That is how we have to win the hearts of German football fans.
You are in front of the camera again with Esther Sedlaczek at the games. Why do the Schweinsteiger-Sedlaczek duo work so well together?
Schweinsteiger: It’s different behind the camera… (laughs) No, seriously: I’ve known Esther for a long time, even from when I was still an active player. Maybe you can tell a little bit. But it’s not just her that I enjoy it, but also Alex (Alexander Bommes, editor’s note), who I’ll also be playing with.
Who will be European champion in 2024?
Schweinsteiger: France has the best squad, but England is also a team that can go far. In my opinion, Austria has what it takes to be a surprise team, but they have been unlucky with injuries, with David Alaba and Xaver Schlager missing.
You didn’t mention Germany. Did you do that on purpose?
Schweinsteiger: If we look at the past tournaments, it is not the case that we are going into the European Championship as the top favourites. But the last international matches give us a lot of hope. Defensive stability will be the decisive factor.
What was your personal European Championship highlight as a player?
Schweinsteiger: My first European Championship was in 2004, when I came on as a substitute against the Netherlands. It’s crazy, that was 20 years ago, I’ve just realized. The other tournament was in 2008, when we were in the final against Spain and unfortunately lost. That will stick with me, of course.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
