- [June 2008, following criticism from German politicians for having been caught smoking on camera during the Euro 2008 Germany - Portugal game] What should I say about it? It is my private thing. I am just human, with strengths and weaknesses. I smoke a cigarette sometimes, or drink a glass of red wine in the evening. It is not as if I am a hedonist. [...] I have to clear up a misunderstanding. I never fail when trying to give up, rather I take a break from it now and again. After the Euro 2008 is finished I will try to not smoke until the end of the year.
- [2012, on whether members of the Germany national football team should have permission to smoke] I would not ban it, except for at meals or in team meetings.
- [an interviewer believes that one of the reasons he smokes is to suppress his appetite] No, for crying out loud. I even believe hardly anybody eats as much candy as I do: Cake, chocolate, ice cream, desserts.
- [2011, on why members of his squad are allowed to smoke] I am hardly a shining example myself in regards to that, after all. I have never smoked in the presence of players. In the past, a lot of players smoked, nowadays this is no longer a thing, actually. As far as I know, none of the national football squad members smoke. But I wouldn't forbid any player to smoke either - except, of course, during mealtimes or in a meeting.
- [footballers who smoke] Personally, I don't issue orders in regards to this. Also, as a coach, it's not possible to permanently monitor something like that either.
- Nowadays, visual things are almost exclusively the only thing young people are still stimulated by. You have to literally show them things, not just merely explain them to them.
- They [Germany national football team] listen to music I could not endure for a long period of time. They are playing music in the dressing room that makes me leave the room. I prefer listening to German Schlager music.
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