Hello Leo. You and your Switzerland team-mates set up team camp at the Waldhotel auf der Waldau in Stuttgart on Monday. How does it feel to still be in Stuttgart, but this time for the EURO?
Stergiou: “For me personally and for my family, it’s wonderful to have the two training camps at home. The first was in Saint Gallen, where I’m from. I also felt at home when I got to reception in the hotel and at the open training session at the GAZi-Stadion auf der Waldau. Some VfB fans came to watch training, which was great for me.”
How did you feel when it was announced that you had officially made the Swiss squad for the EURO?
Stergiou: “I was delighted. I was obviously hoping for the announcement, and when it came, the first people I told were my family. I’m very proud to have got the call-up.”
Your third and final match of the group stage is a clash with Germany and four of your VfB team-mates. Have you already been talking about the match?
Stergiou: “We didn’t discuss this game in the dressing room at all because the Switzerland squad for the pre-camp was named very late. I’m really pleased for all of the guys who have made it into the Germany team and I’m looking forward to seeing them again at the EURO.”
Germany and Switzerland are viewed as the favourites to make it out of Group A. How do you see it panning out, with Scotland and Hungary involved as well?
Stergiou: “It’s the European Championship and anything can happen in football, so we’ll be treating every opponent with the same respect. There are always favourites ahead of a tournament, but that means nothing once the matches get under way.”
What are you hoping for at the European Championship?
Stergiou: “We have the very clear aim of making it through the group stage and we’ll be doing all we can to make sure that happens. I’m going to try to play my part to the absolute maximum and to train hard, so that we’ve worked up to a good level and are ready for the matches.”
