Austria star player: Andreas Ivanschitz
How do you feel going into the finals as the skipper of one of the co-hosts?
I’m fine and getting more excited every day.
What can a team captain actually do?
Basically, each player has to look after himself. However, I can motivate them, be a shining example and keep in close contact with them.
You are based in Athens with Panathinaikos. Has that helped deflect some of the pressure ahead of the tournament?
Were I in Austria, I would certainly have more media and sponsorship appointments. When the finals start, I will be under a lot of stress, so it’s good to get a chance to relax a bit now.
Not long ago, the team were something of a laughing stock but now this seems to have changed.
It has, and rightly so. We have put in a couple of good performances recently and proved we are worthy of hosting the European Championship. But we will be even stronger in June. Football and footballers in the country have become more professional.
Austria gave reasonably good displays against the Ivory Coast, England and Germany in recent months but managed to beat only the Ivorians. How can you make sure the results match the performances?
A lot depends on the run of play. We were leading against Ivory Coast, which helped a lot. It gives you self-confidence, suddenly moves start to work and you get the ball rolling.
Even so, you will be underdogs at the finals. How can your team beat the big guns?
We are particularly strong in dead-ball situations – we have excellent free-kick takers. Also, some players have good long-range shots and some of the tall guys are great in the air.
In what areas do the team still have to improve?
We need to learn to be cooler in front of goal and make more of our counter-attacks.
The team seem to struggle with the high tempo of international football.
That’s true, because it’s not common in our domestic league. But we’re getting used to it.
Austria have far fewer players in top foreign leagues than co-hosts Switzerland. Is that a problem?
It’s something we cannot change at the moment. But it is more important to be playing at European level. I played with Panathinaikos in the UEFA Cup knockout stages last season. That’s the level you need. The atmosphere is great and you are extremely motivated.
You were 22 when you went abroad. Was that too early?
Definitely not. When you are 19 conditions at a big club abroad might intimidate you. But at 22 they encourage you.
What is your aim at the tournament?
Reaching the quarter-finals, and then we’ll take it from there.
Who should we look out for at the finals?
All the players in Austrian jerseys. They will surprise you!
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