A counter-attack can only arise when you make a mistake. That's why there are rules. A horizontal pass? Prohibited. In my line-up there are as many lines as possible. Because you must have the option to pass the ball forward, even if it's a meter. Because then I can still make up for the loss of possession. After a horizontal pass this is impossible.

In small space a player has to be capable of acting quickly. A good player who needs too much time can suddenly become a poor player.

He has been outstanding. [Manuel] Neuer is an extraordinary goalkeeper, who would deserve to win it.

I'm ex-player, ex-technical director, ex-coach, ex-manager, ex-honorary president. A nice list that once again shows that everything comes to an end.

Surviving the first round is never my aim. Ideally, I'd be in one group with Brazil, Argentina and Germany. Then I'd have lost two rivals after the first round. That's how I think. Idealisitic.

Italians can't win the game against you, but you can lose the game against the Italians.

When you're playing against a team that has two great central defenders, the best option is to play without a striker.