Athlete

For the players, these top, top, top games or these top, top, top events - like a World Cup or a European Championship - are not common but, of course, something special.

If research can help us discover cures for diseases, it surely can improve a football team. Whether it's data analysis or biomechanics, it can give you an edge - and I'd be a fool if I didn't want that edge.

Sometimes I make certain assumptions but find they're not immediately obvious to my players.

I am the last person to start celebrating.

Fitness gives you confidence, and if you're fit, you don't have to wonder whether you'll last the 90 minutes.

You have seen it: You can put something into the world, and all of a sudden, everybody believes that. Like throwing a fishing rod and the fish bite into.

Attacking is the tough part in football; defending is relatively easy.

The expectation in Munich is always high, this expectation I have towards myself personally and to my players. I was aware of that when I signed with Bayern.

That's the way people are in general: they see everything negatively at first and then choose to ask questions.

Of course, the attacking players get the attention because they score the goals, score nice goals, and those are the moments that remain in memory. But I wish that other players who are not in the foreground, who still perform well for their club or association, get more recognition.

We were raised as Christians, and religion plays an important role for us.

It's all about togetherness and to pay the other the necessary respect. If you do that, then we all would feel better. It is not always a taking but also a giving in both directions.

I am an optimist, not a dreamer.

I never panic.

The pros stretch their bodies to the limit.

In Germany, it is normal, when games end, you shake hands with your players.

My job is to keep my players fit and fresh for the important games.

There are no guarantees. If you spent money, it's no guarantee you win stuff.

Fortunately, I had some very good coaches.

Expectations run immensely high in Croatia. We may only be a small country, but people expect us to be our best at every major tournament.