Bierhoff hopes for international matches with fans

Berlin (dpa) - DFB director Oliver Bierhoff continues to expect the first international matches in September and hopes for a return of the fans to the stadiums for the national soccer team.

"It would be an incentive for me, in addition to the introduction of football without spectators, to actively organize the introduction of football with viewers again with our team from the organization and the medical department," said Bierhoff in an interview with RTL / ntv.

Bierhoff did not speak about a specific point in time. "We still don't want to have an exception, we want to set a good example. But you can see the latest developments, which sometimes go quickly. If there is an opening, we are of course also the ones who like to take it and try to to help shape this responsibly, "said the 52-year-old.

On Wednesday, UEFA's executive committee plans to set the international schedule after the Corona break. According to Bierhoff, the test internationals in Spain and against Italy that were canceled in March will initially be made up for. The Nations League with duels against Spain, Switzerland and Ukraine would then only start in October for the selection of national coach Joachim Löw.

Bierhoff once again described the postponement of the European Championship in 2021 as an opportunity. "Of course we would have wanted to play, we could have prepared ourselves accordingly. But of course, if the international matches can take place in autumn, we still have a little time to find a team and give these young players a bit more international experience," he said.

Some players would have stood out positively after the Corona break. "Leon Goretzka or Kai Havertz, of course, are gratifying, as they almost used this break to gather again, to recharge their batteries, to really do it now with great performances, goals and important games," said Bierhoff.

Dates national team