Wiese: “Will do my utmost for the team“

Tim, the Germany team has begun these European Championships with three wins from three, their most successful start to a Euros ever. But there has still been some criticism levelled at the team. What is the mood among the players?

We're all very satisfied. It can sometimes happen that things don't go 100% according to plan in games, but we have achieved maximum points and that's what counts. That a team like Holland are going home with three defeats and no points says a lot. Everyone knew how tough the group would be before the tournament and at the end of it we have won it convincingly. Now that has to continue.

You will most probably be taking your place on the bench for the game with Greece, as has been the case in the last four years with the national team. How difficult is that for you to deal with, considering that you are used to being a key player on the pitch for your club in recent years?

Obviously I would rather be playing, no question. But I'm not just anywhere, I'm with the national team, together with the 23 best players in Germany. To even be here you must have achieved something. And in Manuel Neuer we have a goalkeeper who has made the position his own through some outstanding performances. It wasn't gifted to him, he had to work hard for it and I accept that. But I still completely feel like I'm a part of this team, just like the rest of the players not in the team right now. And if I'm needed at any point, I'll be ready. That's what I'm here for.

Even now a lot of TSG fans can't quite believe that you will be keeping goal at the WIRSOL Rhein-Neckar-Arena next season, and your signing did prove slightly controversial. Considering the fact that you spent seven years in Bremen, do you also have to get used to the prospect of a new club?

We're all professional footballers and transfers are part of modern football, as is the possible scepticism of the fans when in new situations or their club signs new players. That's something I accept and I look forward to the new challenge. I'm not someone who loves to be moving around all the time; I spent a long time in Bremen and, more importantly, I always gave my best to identify myself with the club. That was the case at Kaiserslautern as well, and it will be like that in Hoffenheim, that I can promise you. As soon as people notice that you can give something to the team and will do your best for a club, in this case 1899, then they will respect you. I'm trusting in that.

Have you and your family begun looking for a place to live in Sinsheim yet?

Yes that's all been taken care of. We've found a house near Heidelberg and I'm sure that we'll be very happy there. We've taken a liking to the area and the countryside in Sinsheim.

You will miss the best part of pre-season because of the European Championships. What sort of schedule have you drawn up for pre-season training and do you think it is a disadvantage to be joining your new teammates so late?

My schedule looks like this. The Euro 2012 final is on July 1st, after which I will relax and take two weeks holiday with my family. I think I'll be ready to start training with TSG then. I'm looking forward to being in new surroundings and with a new team. I firmly believe that there is something to be achieved here and I will do my utmost to bring success to the club with this group of players. The fact that I will join up with them later, probably at the second training camp in Austria, isn't too much of a concern for me. There will still be plenty of time to get to know everyone. Physically there shouldn't be an issue either, since I've been training for almost the last six weeks with the national team, and at a very high level. I will be in top shape when I join up with the team; nobody needs to worry about that!