Süle and Toljan on the hunt for Usain Bolt

The Olympic participants on…

…the excitement and anticipation.

Niklas Süle: My head is currently fixed on TSG and our training camp. We still have an important friendly coming up against Besiktas. The U21 national team will then take priority following that when I am there. The excitement will most likely come a day before the first game on the 2nd August at the latest. It will be a massive thing to be on the pitch at the Olympics.

Jeremy Toljan: The anticipation is huge but we still have to wait. I am concentrating on TSG at the moment. I want work hard here to set the foundations for the Olympics in Brazil.

…Brazil

Niklas Süle: It will be my first time in Brazil. I’ve seen a couple of the stadiums that we will be playing in online. That was cool. Brazil is a country that is crazy about football and I reckon that the atmosphere will be amazing. I am looking forward to the things I’ll experience in Brazil.

Jeremy Toljan: It will also be my first time in Brazil. The headlines ahead of the games haven’t all been positive but I am looking forward to the games, the tournament and the experiences nonetheless. I think that the atmosphere will be amazing at our matches.

…sporting goals:

Niklas Süle: We have a good squad. A lot of the players have Bundesliga experience. That’s why I am hoping that we will play at our best and pick up a medal. That would be amazing. There are a number of strong teams at the tournament though, so we will have to prove ourselves in every game if we want to come back with a medal.

Jeremy Toljan: I want to play and hopefully make it to at least the semi-finals. It would be unbelievable to win a medal.

…Olympic attractions:

Niklas Süle: I’d like to see the US team play basketball. The other sports that would interest me are tennis and golf. Seeing a run from Usain Bolt would be great as well.

Jeremy Toljan: I’d like to see the US team play basketball as I am a big fan of the sport. As well as other things, I would like to watch the sprint events for the athletics. As I play golf with Niki sometimes, I’ll probably go and watch that with him (laughs).

…the big sports stars:

Niklas Süle: I would definitely like to see Henrik Stenson and get his autograph and a picture with him. He just won ”The Open” and his performance was very impressive. Draymond Green and Klay Thompson from the Golden State Warriors are also on my list as well as Novak Djokovic.

Jeremy Toljan: Usain Bolt is the biggest star at the Olympic Games in my opinion. He is the main attraction in the main sport at the Olympics. The athletes all look at him and expect extraordinary things.

…the trip’s effect on their season for TSG.

Niklas Süle: I believe that the trip is an advantage for me as part of my preparation. I have known Julian Nagelsmann, his style of football and what he expects on the pitch for a long time now. I will be able to get back into a good rhythm and take my fitness up a notch very quickly by playing in the tournament in Brazil. When I return I will be at my best physically. Then there is the question of my development. A tournament such as this can only help me improve as a sportsman and a person.

Jeremy Toljan: I’m am in agreement with Niklas, that the tournament will do me good. Physically I’ll be able to be at my best and we will have six matches if it all goes to plan. With many of the matches being knockout matches under pressure. It will be something that stays with me. I hope that we have a successful tournament so that I have momentum coming into the season.