CHRISTOPH Metzelder admits that if Germany coach Joachim Low comes looking to him for inside information on Euro 2008 final opponents Spain he may be left disappointed.
Metzelder has spent the past 12 months in Spain having joined Primera Liga champions Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer last summer.
However, despite playing alongside Spain internationals Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos, and facing the likes of David Silva, Marcos Senna and Raul Albiol during an injury-hit first season in La Liga, Metzelder concedes any unique knowledge he may have of tomorrow's opponents is probably fairly basic.
"Our scouts have been watching Spain for some time, and they certainly know more about them than I do," said Metzelder.
"But I know the mentality of the players and also know how to play against them. I will give my team-mates a few tips, but it certainly won't be anything decisive."
Metzelder revealed prior to this week's two semi-finals that he would relish the chance to face Spain in the final.
That hope is now reality following Germany's win over Turkey and Spain's triumph against Russia, meaning Metzelder should be lining up against club-mates Casillas and Ramos at the Ernst Happel Stadion in Vienna.
The 27-year-old centre-back admits the trio have been in touch with each other over the last few days, but insists any friendships will be shelved during the final.
"We have sent each other our congratulations on reaching the final and we really get on well, but that is something that will be put on ice for 90 minutes on Sunday," he said
"Then everyone will be doing his best for his country and to win the title."
Germany coach Low admitted following his side's unconvincing 3-2 semi-final win over Turkey they had been lacking in consistency during the tournament, performing well in some games and not so well in others.
That has been the case for pretty much all the teams in Austria and Switzerland, with possibly the only exception being Spain, who are in formidable form.
Luis Aragones' side are unbeaten in 21 matches stretching back to 2006, while they have also been triumphant in their last 11 games.
"They are the only side to have played consistently throughout this tournament and have hardly shown any sign of weakness so far," Metzelder said on www.uefa.com.
"That will make them very difficult to break down. We know that they are good, but they also have a lot of respect for us and the way we play."
However, despite playing alongside Spain internationals Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos, and facing the likes of David Silva, Marcos Senna and Raul Albiol during an injury-hit first season in La Liga, Metzelder concedes any unique knowledge he may have of tomorrow's opponents is probably fairly basic.
"Our scouts have been watching Spain for some time, and they certainly know more about them than I do," said Metzelder.
"But I know the mentality of the players and also know how to play against them. I will give my team-mates a few tips, but it certainly won't be anything decisive."
Metzelder revealed prior to this week's two semi-finals that he would relish the chance to face Spain in the final.
That hope is now reality following Germany's win over Turkey and Spain's triumph against Russia, meaning Metzelder should be lining up against club-mates Casillas and Ramos at the Ernst Happel Stadion in Vienna.
The 27-year-old centre-back admits the trio have been in touch with each other over the last few days, but insists any friendships will be shelved during the final.
"We have sent each other our congratulations on reaching the final and we really get on well, but that is something that will be put on ice for 90 minutes on Sunday," he said
"Then everyone will be doing his best for his country and to win the title."
Germany coach Low admitted following his side's unconvincing 3-2 semi-final win over Turkey they had been lacking in consistency during the tournament, performing well in some games and not so well in others.
That has been the case for pretty much all the teams in Austria and Switzerland, with possibly the only exception being Spain, who are in formidable form.
Luis Aragones' side are unbeaten in 21 matches stretching back to 2006, while they have also been triumphant in their last 11 games.
"They are the only side to have played consistently throughout this tournament and have hardly shown any sign of weakness so far," Metzelder said on www.uefa.com.
"That will make them very difficult to break down. We know that they are good, but they also have a lot of respect for us and the way we play."
Copyright (c) Press Association
Related Articles
Khedira cruciate tear confirmed
Low pens Germany extension
