Dennis Schroder: 'If you don't have motivation, you shouldn't be here' / News - Basketnews.com

Dennis Schroder downplayed his deal with the Los Angeles Lakers and instead looked at the possibility to bring Germany a medal after 17 years in the match against Poland.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Germany lost in the semifinal against Spain in front of their home fans, letting a chance to bring back gold to Germany after nearly 30 years slip away.

Germany / Schedule

Germany Greece107-96 Germany Spain91-96 Germany PolandSun15:15

Now, Gordon Herbert's team is getting ready to face Poland in the third-place match, a fact that the team doesn't take lightly.

Dennis Schroder has been the leader of the roster throughout EuroBasket 2022. He sees only one goal in mind.

"Me as captain and the boys want to get a medal. We would make history. And that's motivation enough for everyone," the guard explained.

"If you don't have motivation, you shouldn't be here," he continued. "Everyone is motivated to win the game on Sunday."

After the semifinal game, it was announced that Schroder was signing a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.

"My agent worked all the time, negotiated, talked to all NBA clubs," Schroder shared. "He was doing his job, and I was doing my job on the court in Cologne and Berlin."

However, Schroder puts aside his club career now. The match against Poland to bring Germany its first medal since 2005 is the main objective on his mind. If they are successful, it would be just the fourth medal in major international tournaments for Germany.

"Germany has been waiting for this medal for 17 years and writing this story is enough motivation to put all your skills and strength on the scales once again," the guard told. "Winning the medal was our goal before the European Championship and it's still possible. Therefore, heads up, we only need to win against Poland."

The match between Germany and Poland is scheduled to start at 17:15 CET today, September 18th.

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