Speaking in a press conference ahead of Friday night's World Cup qualifier between Germany and the Republic of Ireland, Joachim Löw explained that he expects Ireland to be defensively organised, like in Germany's 6-1 win in Dublin last year Gaelic football or rugby.
Löw said that Germany caught Ireland off guard last year and that "it won't be the same this time". Well, he has to say that, doesn't he.
From RTE:
"It does not matter who plays or who is their coach. It does not really affect their game. Ireland means defensively compact, maximum physical involvement, always high tempo."
"They can defend really well. It's part of their tradition, to defend their own goal, like in Gaelic football or rugby," Loew said.
"They always fight until they fall over. It does not matter if they trail 1-0 or 3-0, even if they don't have a chance or a very minimal of qualifying it does not mean they come with a gift for us."