“We can’t switch off for a second” – Neuer warns Germany to stay alert against pacey Ivory Coast attack

After thumping Curaçao 7-1 in their World Cup opener, Germany are targeting qualification for the round of 32 with a game to spare as they head into a clash with Ivory Coast on Saturday at 22:00 CEST.

“That’s our aim. It’s all in our own hands. We made a good start and we don’t want to look back at previous tournaments. The players aren’t dwelling on that either; all our focus is on the next step, and for us that means Ivory Coast,” said Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer at a press conference on Thursday.

However, Neuer is taking nothing for granted, underlining the strength of the upcoming opponents, who pose attacking threats such as Bundesliga stars Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig) and Bazoumana Touré (Hoffenheim).

“We’ll be facing a very strong side in Toronto, but we’re really well prepared. We know what to expect, and I think Ivory Coast know what to expect too. It would be something special for us to have our place secured after two games. Then we can start looking further ahead. There’s already a lot of talk about France, but we’re not looking that far ahead. We just want to focus on the next game,” said Neuer, who warned that Germany must stay alert for the full game.

“It will be important for us to have a good shape in possession, cut out the careless mistakes and make sure we’re well protected behind the ball when we attack. We know their players. They all have pace, especially their forwards. That means we can’t switch off for a second. We have to stay alert at all times and react quickly in transition, both with and without the ball.”