Northern Ireland v Germany

MANAGER’S VIEW

What can I say about tonight’s visitors that has not already been said many times and in many media outlets. The mere mention of the name of Germany strikes fear into most opponents.

Regardless of the squad they select we know they will always be strong, always be talented, always be difficult opponents and always provide a challenge. Their players are top quality, they play for top teams and challenge for honours everywhere they play. As a coach these are the challenges to be relished and embraced. In any walk of life pitting yourself against the best in your field, and let’s be honest the Germans have provided the gold standard over many years, is the ultimate challenge. And there is the added spice of a David v Goliath fixture, and we know that from time to time David slays Goliath and Windsor Park in September has proved to be the downfall of many giants over the years. This is the fourth time I will have locked horns with Joachim Low’s team and I fully understand how formidable opponents they are. They are to be admired for their skills, quality, resilience, organisation and never say die approach. I am especially impressed by the development of this new squad since their 2018 World Cup disappointment. I have no doubt Germany will want to quickly bounce back from their defeat to the Netherlands on Friday night so we must beware the wounded animal. I know all of my players appreciate the chance to compete against the best but I also know that they can raise their game to match the occasion. The start we have had to this Euro 2020 qualification campaign has been exemplary.

Perhaps we were expected to take full points at home against Estonia and Belarus in March, but we all can remember how difficult that was to achieve. So having overcome that particular hurdle to travel to Tallinn and Borisov and return with full points, and the manner in which we did so, was a remarkable achievement and meant we all could go into the summer break on a high. We know, of course, that the autumn, with the series of head to head matches against Germany and Netherlands, will provide a much stiffer test to qualify and that we must compete and beat the best. That challenge starts tonight. Opportunities like this come infrequently so we need to be prepared to grasp it with both hands. Having tasted the Euro finals in France we all want to replicate that experience in 2020. There is little doubt that you, the fans, will play an important part in helping the team. The support we have received wherever we play, but especially here in Belfast, is phenomenal and the whole squad appreciate this. When things are difficult and when we are up against it the support we receive keeps us going and lifts our spirits. I know we will need that support over the next four qualifiers and I know we can depend on you to deliver, just as I believe the players can deliver as well. Bring it on! Thanks for your support. Michael O’Neill Northern Ireland Manager

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