During the buildup to the 2025 Euro Flag 2025, IFAF has posed three questions to the head coaches of the men’s and women’s teams ranked in the Top Six in the world, who are about to compete for continental glory.

Said Salazar-Deciga is the head coach of German’s men's flag football national teams. He started playing flag football at the age of five, and since then football — both flag and tackle — which has shaped his entire life.

He earned a scholarship, completed hid university degree and master’s, and later made the decision to dedicate himself full-time to flag football. Said represented his home country, Mexico, in three different international competitions, including the 2016 and 2021 IFAF World Championships and The World Games in 2022. He then moved to Europe to grow the sport, serving as defensive coordinator for France at the last world championships. Now, he is leading Germany into a new era, and is excited about what they will show this year being an elite program.

What are the goals for your team in this tournament?

Our goal is clear. We are a team that dropped to 12th place in the last World Championship, but we are also the most recent European Champions — which proves that we have the ability to return to the top. From the beginning of this year, the objective has been the same: we are going for a medal. We know it will take focus and consistency, but our mission is to bring Team Germany back to the podium.

What will be the strengths of your team and which players should we watch for?

With the addition of an offensive coordinator from Mexico, Alann Salas, and myself also being Mexican, I think Germany will bring a fresh sense of offensive creativity and entertainment to this tournament. We have a new roster, full of speed and agility, and offensively we will definitely be exciting to watch. This team has explosive athletes, smart decision-makers, and players who love the game, so expect big plays.

What do you think of the group you have been drawn into?

Denmark is always a strong opponent with discipline and physicality. They’ve been a strong contender in recent years and is a team we cannot underestimate. Finland and Slovenia also have the potential to surprise, and we will treat every game with the respect it deserves. At the same time, I am confident in our preparation and our roster. I believe Germany has what it takes to lead this group.