Alexander, how is the World Cup atmosphere in Down Under? Are Australians following the tournament?
"The tournament is definitely being followed. Of course, football is still not the number one sport in Australia, but at a World Cup everyone is already sitting in front of the TV. Australia has qualified for the last five World Cups, although it was a surprise to see them beat Peru in the play-offs. The kick-off times are a challenge, of course. The first games start at 9pm, then midnight, 3AM as well as 6AM. It's also a shame that you can't go out for public viewing, have a drink and watch a game. But most Australians watched the first game against France. So I would already say that the country is in a World Cup mood."
Despite losing 4-1 to world champions France, does Australia still have a good chance of making the last 16?
"I wouldn't say a good chance. Everyone knew beforehand that they were clear underdogs. They were happy to have France in the first game. France didn't seem to be in top form then. I thought Australia's first 15 minutes were really good and France were shockingly weak. But the goal came too early and when you score too early as a clear underdog and then try to defend for the rest of the game, it's often a matter of time before you concede a goal. France showed Australia their limits. But in football you never know. There are two games left. If Australia win the next game or get at least a point, everything is still possible. Saudi Arabia showed what is possible. But the chances for Australia remain slim. I don't think anyone here will be angry or sad if the team doesn't qualify for the last 16."
You have three hot irons in the fire at this World Cup. You were born in Germany, but you have also played and lived in Brazil and Australia. How do you rate the two heavyweights, Germany and Brazil, at the World Cup?
"For the first time in a long time, Germany are not among the favourites. For me, Brazil is the clear favourite. The generation around Neymar is one of the strongest Brazilian national teams and also one of the most consistent in the last 15 to 20 years. I am convinced that Neymar will make his mark on the World Cup and become the tournament's best player and top scorer. Of course, you always have to reckon with Germany, just like with Spain. They are real tournament teams, even if Germany were not convincing four years ago. Of course, the team still has one or two world-class players, such as Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz and Leroy Sane, who is unfortunately out. In addition, there are some experienced players like Manuel Neuer, who have already won the World Cup once. Germany will have no problems advancing in the group stage. I would be happy if Brazil and Germany both go far."
Your wife is Brazilian. What do you do when the two countries meet?
"That was already the case in 2014, when Germany beat Brazil 7:1. I also have to say that I'm not a national team fanatic. I have more sympathy for good football and for teams with guys I'm close friends with. In Germany, that's Manuel Neuer, of course, and in Brazil it was Dante, who was the best man at my wedding. But it's not like we sit at home - my wife in a Brazil jersey, me in a Germany jersey - and bash each other's heads in (laughs). We would be happy if both of them go far."
You mentioned some former team mates. Who are you particularly rooting for at the World Cup?
"I played together with Manuel when we were young, we went to school together, played for Schalke and in the youth national team. We are still in contact. It will probably be his last World Cup. But he has already won the title. I'd rather say I don't begrudge someone like Messi. The only thing he's still missing is the World Cup title."
You are currently preparing for a career after your career. Could you also imagine a future for an association and a national team?
"I haven't officially announced it yet, but my playing career is already over. Last year I didn't renew my contract with Sydney FC. Now that I've been out for a year, it's clear that there probably won't be that many interesting things to come. That's why I've been working on actively preparing my career after my active career for a while now and definitely see myself in the management field. I studied International Sports Management and completed a certificate in Football Management at the UEFA Academy. I am in close contact with my ex-club, Sydney FC. But in Australia, the traditional position of sports director doesn't exist yet. The structures are comparable to England and they are in the process of creating the function. But I'm also ambitious to say that at some point I'd like to return to the big football stage and then Germany is also a medium-term goal again."
Your youth club Schalke 04 is also currently looking for a sports director. Are you still following the Knappen?
"Schalke is the club of my heart and it would be a dream to work for Schalke one day. But at the moment it's too early. I would like Schalke to make the right decision and find someone in this position who has proven in the past that they bring expertise and knowledge of the club. For me, the optimal solution for Schalke is Horst Heldt. In my opinion, he has done a very good job at all his stations in the past and I can't think of any candidate at the moment who knows Schalke and the environment better than him."
Alexander, thank you very much for the interview!
